It's Déjà Vu All Over Again For Navratilova

It's Déjà Vu All Over Again For Navratilova. Second Long Term Partner Files Lawsuit To Protect Her Rights In Domestic Partnership

Martina Navratilova is currently going through her second and longest divorce yet. The details look astonishingly similar to her previous break up with Judy Nelson. Toni Layton, the 8 year partner/lover of the ex-tennis champion, was heartlessly 'exterminated' from the Navratilova camp without notice last year. As with other previous Navratilova partnerships, there had been consistent claims of the heart, promises made and mutual commitments to lifelong support, all playing an important role in Layton's decision to forgo her own skill recovery, dreams, and goals only to spend most of those eight years in support of Martina's comeback, new business ventures, and transition into broadcasting. Besides being completely blindsided by Navratilova's estrangement, Layton was also physically removed from their shared residence last year. Everything from joint assets, personal belongings, and beloved pets were taken and kept from Layton, forcing her to seek shelter with friends, having only the very clothes on her back.

"While being denied access to her personal belongings for 15 months, Layton tried, in vain, to settle the partnership amicably. Layton wanted very much to avoid any attached strings, as well as avoid wasting money unnecessarily on legal fees" stated her rep, Gary Smith. However, she was met with fierce opposition and contention from Navratilova and has come to the unfortunate conclusion that taking the "high road" is not working in her efforts to settle the matters at hand. Layton has since hired powerhouse attorney Ray Rafool. Rafool, who has body slammed former wresting star Hulk Hogan in his divorce to estranged wife Linda, is said to be the toughest opponent Hulk has ever faced. Rafool filed the suit today in Sarasota Florida, case 2009 CA 010569 NC. Navratilova will now face an equally monumental challenge in Rafool, who has more than enough facts to counter Martina's hypocrisy, as well as address past threats made to damage Toni Layton. Layton has exhausted every remedy to regain even a small portion of property that was promised to her by Navratilova, and she will seek justice through the court system. Sadly, many dark secrets from Navratilova's past and present life will come out in court, such as the intrigue surrounding arch-rival Chris Evert, the incestuous nature of The Women's Tennis Association, former lovers, improprieties between business associates, and more.

Layton's influence had a large positive impact on the public perception of Navratilova. Layton helped Martina to be seen as a staunch supporter of gay, animal, and human rights as well as her American citizenship, and helping her grow and flourish in her personal friendships...both old and new. Sources close to the case say that the 'smoke screen' will vanish once the real facts emerge. Public perception and support of Navratilova will change once the people understand the depth of the hypocrisy that engulfs Navratilova. Layton was the emotional rock that calmed a very insensitive, intolerant, jealous, judgmental, and punishing manipulator who only looked out for herself. Layton and Navratilova once shared an incredibly close bond, sharing deeply meaningful, yet heartbreaking secrets...some of Navratilova's darkest. Layton deeply feels her loyalty was unforgivably betrayed and horribly used. Layton simply wants what Navratilova and she agreed upon in return for giving up her own dreams and goals and, instead, supporting the tennis star and her career 24/7. Layton's biggest interest is her beloved sanctuary for abused, neglected, and abandoned animals. Layton, a deeply committed animal lover, is devastated at Navratilova's intentional effort to liquidate both the property and the animals. The couple had an agreement that upon death or dissolution of the relationship, all properties and assets would be split or transferred to the other party. "The Sanctuary was always intended to go to Layton, since that was her project and passion" says Smith.

Their romance started in 2000 when Toni had been in New Hampshire visiting friends and Martina decided to join her. "Everything fell into place" said Layton. A short time later they were "married" in an unofficial ceremony atop Mount Washington State Park in New Hampshire. Later, they had platinum wedding bands made for each other. Martina then moved in with Toni, and a time thereafter, the couple settled in their new home in Florida, a state that does not recognize gay marriage. Layton calls Martina a "ladies woman," very much like her own father since, like him, she has always liked looking at beautiful women, regardless of her current relationship status. She had a roving eye that couldn't be tamed. As in her previous relationship which lasted past the seven year mark of solid companionship, Martina once again orchestrated, with the help of her team of body guards and attorneys, to have Toni physically removed from the home they shared. Even though various networks and publishers have shown a great interest in Layton's story and experience, her main focus is regaining the Sanctuary and the funds to save those beloved animals.

ENDS

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