Mary J. Blige's father stabbed by ex-girlfriend

Thomas Blige, the father of R&B singer Mary J. Blige, was stabbed Thursday by his ex-girlfriend and is in critical condition, police say.

Blige, 63, was taken to Bronson Hospital in Kalamazoo, Mich., and his roommate said he was recovering after surgery.

Cheryl White, 50, was charged with attempted murder Friday, and her bond was set at $500,000. She is due back in court February 7.

Michael Thomas, Blige's roommate, said he heard hissing coming from outside, where White had apparently slashed his tires.

Thomas said Blige rushed outside to confront White and she stabbed him.

“He came back in and yelled for me,” Thomas said, recalling that he found his roommate bleeding on the kitchen floor from stab wounds to the throat, side and arm. “I woke up and came to his rescue.”

“Bleeding profusely,” he said. “I had to grab towels and cover the wounds the best I could until the rescue came.”

Battle Creek police said they responded to a call around 7:15 a.m. at the Arbors of Battle Creek apartment complex where Blige, Thomas and White live. Neighbors said fights between the exes were common.

"They have a long history of violence," said neighbor Maurice Lewis. “For the most part, everybody in there is calm, I’ve never had a problem. It’s just whenever she comes over. It’s crazy.”

[WOOD TV]