Damon Wayans Sr. describes falling ‘in love’ with nephew’s ex-girlfriend: Family gatherings are ‘awkward’

Damon Wayans Sr. found a way to make family gatherings an “awkward” affair.

The comedian recently admitted to “Club Shay Shay” listeners that he once dated his nephew’s ex-girlfriend.

The dalliance took place in 2001 after he and ex-wife Lisa Thorner called it quits on their 16-year marriage.

Damon Wayans Sr. opened up about once dating his nephew’s ex-girlfriend. CBS via Getty Images This took place in 2001 after his divorce from ex-wife Lisa Thorner. Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images

“I got divorced and I was by myself for two years,” Wayans Sr. recalled. “And then I saw [my nephew’s ex] and I was just like, ‘Oh my God. I’m in love.’

“And then,” he continued, “I found out my nephew had dated [her].”

When the actor reached out to his family member, whom Wayans Sr. did not identify, his nephew replied, “That’s you.”

“I got divorced and was by myself for two years,” the comedian recalled on the “Club Shay Shay” podcast last week. Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images When he met his nephew’s ex, he immediately fell “in love” with her. Club Shay Shay / YouTube

At the time, Wayans Sr. quipped, “Pass the Courvoisier, let’s go!”

Then he “went ahead and fell in love and it was OK,” jokingly asking host Shannon Sharpe whether he had ever “done the Jackson 5.”

His question, notably, referenced Jermaine Jackson marrying brother Randy Jackson’s ex-girlfriend Alejandra Oaziaza.

He reached out to his family member for permission to pursue the romance. REUTERS Host Shannon Sharpe called a nephew’s previous partner “off limits” in Wednesday’s interview. ClubShayShay/YouTube

When Sharpe, 56, called family members’ exes “off limits,” Wayans Sr. defended himself.

“You know how small the pool is out here in Cali? The dating pool?” the “Saturday Night Live” alum asked.

Wayans Sr., who did not name his nephew in the interview, has nine siblings, including Marlon Wayans.

Wayans Sr. quipped that the California dating pool is too small for that rule. WireImage The actor, who has nine siblings, did not name his nephew. CBS via Getty Images

Damon Sr. is best known for working with his family members on projects, from “In Living Color” to “White Chicks.”

In March, he explained to People why he prefers to collaborate with his loved ones.

“The thing that takes actors years to develop, we have that automatically, which is chemistry and trust,” Damon Sr. explained last month.