By Archie Boan
LIBERIA – At a public event in Montserrado County over the weekend, House Speaker and District #11 Representative Richard Nagbe Koon publicly addressed ongoing rumors surrounding his reported romantic relationship with presidential political advisor MacDella Cooper for the first time.
Speaking during the State of District #11 Annual Report program held on May 16, 2026, Speaker Koon appeared to confirm the relationship while addressing supporters and attendees at the gathering.
“Normally, as a leader, you are always tempted when you are out there. So, it is good to hold your woman by your side,” Koon said. “My own woman is coming, so y’all can know her. Y’all have already heard the rumor because the people have worn the same clothes. Her name is Madam MacDella Cooper. So, it is not a strange thing.”
The Speaker further defended the relationship against public criticism and speculation, stating that neither party was involved in any wrongdoing.
“I ain’t steal her. She herself ain’t steal me from anybody. That will be the talk of the week,” he added, drawing reactions from the audience.
This relationship issue between the two public officials first came to light when Madam Copper during a public statement hinted at her affairs with the Liberian House Speaker.
The remarks mark the first time the senior lawmaker has publicly commented on the widely discussed rumors linking him to Cooper, a prominent political figure and former presidential candidate who currently serves as a presidential political advisor.
The comments have since generated widespread discussion on social media and within political circles, with many observers describing the disclosure as one of the most talked-about moments from the district event.
Neither Speaker Koon’s office nor MacDella Cooper has issued an official statement beyond the Speaker’s public remarks.
