How a Viral Divorce Post Connected French Montana and Princess Sheikha Mahra

French Montana says his fiancée, Sheikha Mahra, Princess of Dubai, first caught his attention with a bold move. Opening up about his relationship with Sheikha Mahra, 31, on the Jan. 13 episode of the Joe and Jada podcast, the 41-year-old rapper said she first came onto his radar when he was in Dubai. He saw her viral Instagram post in which she publicly announced the end of her marriage, accusing her then-husband, businessman and royal Sheikh Mana bin Mohammed bin Rashid bin Mana Al Maktoum, of infidelity. In the since-deleted post from July 2024, Sheikha Mahra wrote, per the BBC, “Dear Husband, As you are occupied with other companions, I hereby declare our divorce. I divorce you, I divorce you, and I divorce you,” seemingly referencing the Islamic practice known as triple talaq, which allows Muslim men to divorce their wives by saying "I divorce you" three times. "Take care. Your ex-wife," she added. Montana said on the podcast that he was impressed by Sheikha Mahra's post. “I remember I had seen … she put up that post where she divorced somebody,” he recalled. “And I’m like, ‘I like her.’ ‘Cause it takes a lot of guts to throw that up. So when she threw that up, I’m like, ‘I like her.' " Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. The hip-hop star then had a mutual connection reach out to her on his behalf. "I'm like, 'Do what you gotta do,' " he said he told the man. Montana and Sheikha Mahra, whose full name is Sheikha Mahra bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, first sparked dating rumors in October 2024 when the Emrati princess shared photos of herself giving the musician a tour of Dubai, per E! News. The pair announced their engagement via a press release on Aug. 27, 2025. Montana had popped the question months earlier during Paris Fashion Week in June, shortly after his first runway walk for the Spring/Summer 2026 collection for 3.PARADIS. "Representatives confirm that while wedding plans are underway, specific dates and arrangements are still being finalized by both families, who are reportedly excited and supportive," the release stated. Montana presented Sheikha Mahra with a dazzling engagement ring featuring an 11.53-carat emerald-cut diamond valued at an estimated $1.1 million. The ring is a custom design by celebrity jeweler Eric the Jeweler of Mavani & Co, according to a statement from Montana's team. "The elegant and rare design is a perfect symbol of the couple’s unique love story," the statement added.