Mariah Carey Details Marriage Struggles and Healing

Mariah Carey has spoken candidly about her first marriage to music executive Tommy Mottola, describing it as a period marked by a significant age and power imbalance that left her feeling controlled and creatively stifled. She likened her experience to being a 'child bride' and described her home as feeling like a prison, with her ambitions to explore R&B and urban music often dismissed. Despite lingering feelings of anger, Carey said she copes through humor and has largely made peace with her past. Her 1997 album 'Butterfly' marked a turning point that led to artistic liberation. Tommy Mottola has since acknowledged the problematic aspects of their relationship and expressed regret in his memoir. Carey is now preparing to release her new album 'Here for It All' while continuing to reflect on her personal growth.