Who Is Montana Helena Klein Yao? Inside the Life of Malik Beasley’s Ex-Wife

You might have heard the name Montana Helena Klein Yao and wondered, “Who is she really?” Some know her as the ex-wife of NBA player Malik Beasley. Others follow her on Instagram for her style, her beauty, and her mom life. But there’s much more to Montana than just a headline or a relationship.

In this article, we’ll take a friendly and simple look at her full story — where she came from, what she does, her family life, and how she became a strong woman in the spotlight. Let’s begin with the basics and move step by step into her world.

Montana Helena Klein Yao Quick Bio

Who Is Montana Helena Klein Yao?

Montana Helena Klein Yao is a model, influencer, and entrepreneur. But most people first heard about her because she was married to basketball player Malik Beasley.

Over time, Montana has built her own name. She shares her life online, works with brands, and is also a mom of two kids. Her mix of beauty, confidence, and honesty has gained her a big following on social media. Many people admire how she handled public ups and downs with strength.

She’s not just known for drama — she’s known for bouncing back, building a brand, and being real with her fans.

Montana Yao’s Early Life and Family

Montana was born on August 5, 1997, in Newport Beach, California. She grew up in a loving home as an only child. Her parents supported her dreams from the beginning.

Her dad, Paul Yao, was born in China and moved to the U.S. in 1965. He even served in the U.S. Army in the 1970s. Her mom, Gina Klein Yao, was born in California and became a successful entrepreneur. Gina is one of the founders of a cool tech-fashion brand called JaggerEdge — they make stylish phone cases and accessories.

Montana was always close to her family, and their support helped her explore modeling, music, and social media without fear.

A Proud Multiracial Background

Montana’s mixed background is a big part of who she is. Her dad is Chinese, and her mom is of English, Irish, and German roots. This beautiful mix has given Montana her unique look — something that helped her shine in the modeling world.

She often embraces her cultural mix and shares bits of her family pride on social media. Whether it’s through fashion or lifestyle posts, Montana shows that being different is something to love and celebrate.

In a world where many people try to fit in, Montana’s story reminds us how special it is to stand out.

Montana Yao’s Education Journey

Montana went to Maranatha High School in Pasadena, California, before switching to Malibu High School, where she graduated in 2015. During high school, she was already dreaming big — modeling, music, and even acting caught her interest.

She wasn’t just focused on being popular or pretty. She worked hard in school while also exploring her creative side. Her teenage years helped shape the confident woman we see today.

By the time she graduated, she already had one foot in the door of the beauty and fashion world.

Her Rise in Modeling and Pageants

Montana started modeling as a teenager. In 2016, she entered and won the Miss Malibu Teen USA contest. That win helped her get noticed by big names in the industry. She later became a Top 10 finalist in Miss California Teen USA, which gave her even more confidence and new opportunities.

After that, Montana signed with Newmark Models, a well-known modeling agency. She worked with big brands like Zara and built a professional name for herself in fashion. Her beauty, combined with her calm but bold attitude, made her a great fit for modern campaigns.

At just 18, she was already proving she had the talent to make it — not just as someone’s wife or girlfriend, but as her own star.

Montana Yao as a Social Media Star

Montana didn’t stop at modeling. In the same year she won Miss Malibu Teen, she also went viral with a rap video she posted online. People loved it. It showed a fun, bold, and fearless side of her.

Today, she has over 150,000 followers on Instagram. Her feed is full of fashion looks, mom moments, and honest thoughts about her life. She shares things that feel real — not just perfect pictures.

Montana is also partnered with brands like Stiiizy and Bumble BFF. Her platform gives her space to speak up, share style tips, and show life as a modern mom.

How Montana Met Malik Beasley

Montana met Malik Beasley in 2018. He was starting his NBA career, and she was rising online. They quickly became close, and by March 16, 2019, they welcomed their first child — a baby boy named Makai Joseph Beasley.

Their relationship moved fast. A year later, on March 5, 2020, they got married. To many fans, they seemed like a dream couple — a young athlete and a rising model, building a life together while raising their son.

But not long after, things took a turn that placed both of them in the spotlight — and not in a good way.

The Public Cheating Scandal

In November 2020, Montana Helena Klein Yao’s life changed overnight. Photos came out showing her husband, Malik Beasley, holding hands with reality TV star Larsa Pippen at a mall. The pictures spread fast, and people online started talking.

Montana had no idea this was coming. She shared her reaction on Instagram Stories, saying:

“Wow… I don’t even know this man… this is wild y’all. I’m seeing it for the first time just like y’all.”

It was a tough moment. She was a wife and a mother — and the whole world was watching. Soon after, Montana filed for divorce. She also thanked her fans for their love and support. Even during this hard time, she stayed strong and respectful.

Rebuilding and a Second Child

After the scandal, things were quiet for a while. But in May 2021, Malik Beasley posted a public apology on Instagram. He wrote that he was sorry for hurting Montana and said:

“There’s nobody like you for me.”

Montana accepted his apology. They got back together and tried to make things work. Later, on November 11, 2022, they welcomed their second child — a daughter named Mia Love Beasley.

Malik shared a sweet photo with baby Mia, calling her his “wish come true.” For a while, it looked like their family was healing and starting fresh.

Final Separation in March 2025

But in March 2025, news came out that Montana Helena Klein Yao had filed for legal separation again — just weeks before what would have been their fifth wedding anniversary.

A few weeks later, Malik filed for divorce. He then confirmed a new relationship with Natalia Garibotto, a Brazilian-American model and influencer. Natalia shared that they had actually met years earlier, back in college.

Montana stayed mostly quiet this time. She focused on her kids and didn’t share too many personal details online. Even with heartbreak, she handled things with peace and grace.

Montana Yao’s Life Today

In 2025, Montana Helena Klein Yao is doing well. She’s focused on being a great mom to Makai and Mia. She shares fun and sweet moments with them on Instagram, and it’s clear they are the center of her world.

She’s also building her brand again. Montana works with fashion and beauty companies, promotes lifestyle products, and continues to grow her online presence. Some fans have noticed she’s glowing more than ever.

Even after all the ups and downs, Montana is still standing strong. She’s not just “Malik Beasley’s ex-wife.” She’s a model, a businesswoman, and a proud mom — doing it all with love and strength.

Final Thoughts

Montana Helena Klein Yao has been through a lot. She’s lived in the public eye, faced heartbreak, and raised two beautiful kids. But through it all, she stayed strong, honest, and true to herself.

Her story is not just about love and loss — it’s about growth, self-worth, and starting fresh. From beauty pageants to brand deals, from tough moments to new chapters, Montana has shown that she’s more than a headline.

Today, she stands on her own — with style, strength, and so much heart.