AceShowbiz - Larry Birkhead recently opened up about his experience with the late Anna Nicole Smith, sharing insight into the complicated and intense dynamic they shared alongside her attorney, Howard K. Stern. Their unconventional relationship was marked by challenges that Larry described as somewhat “cult-like.”

In a candid conversation on the March 22 episode of the Dumb Blonde podcast hosted by Bunnie Xo, Larry Birkhead revealed how he felt about the unique environment surrounding Anna Nicole Smith and Howard K. Stern. “I don’t want people to run with this, but it kind of felt a little cult-like,” he admitted. While navigating this unusual setup, Larry emphasized his effort to maintain independence, stating, “I didn’t want to be an entourage member, so I maintained independence. I tried to, as much as I could. I still worked and did my own thing.”

The dynamic between the trio was complex, especially given the roles each played in Anna Nicole’s life. Larry gave Howard K. Stern credit for his tireless work on Anna Nicole’s behalf and for being a father figure to her son, Daniel Smith, who tragically passed away in September 2006 at the age of 20. However, Larry was also critical of Stern’s involvement, noting that he sometimes overstepped boundaries in his relationship with Anna Nicole during Larry’s own romance with her.

“Howard slept on the couch below [Anna Nicole’s room],” Larry recalled. “It was a little bit uneasy for me because he’d bring the dogs in. ‘The dogs want to see you again.’ I’m like, ‘OK.’ Or, ‘Here’s what we’re doing today.’ Some of it was necessary, but some of it, I think, was to get in there to figure out what we were doing.” This statement highlights the tension Larry felt as Stern was deeply embedded in their daily lives.

Despite his reservations, Larry acknowledged Stern’s role as the “cleanup man” in Anna Nicole’s life—someone who handled the aftermath of her often chaotic existence. This role, while necessary, sometimes placed Stern in difficult and uncomfortable positions. “I don’t want to make excuses for him because in the moment, it hurt what he was doing to me,” Larry explained. “I try to see everything from both sides, but I do know that it became difficult to exist in the relationship with her.”

The legal battle over Dannielynn’s paternity following Anna Nicole’s death in February 2007 further complicated the relationships. Larry and Howard were adversaries in court, each fighting for recognition and custody.

Today, Larry Birkhead is focused on raising Dannielynn as a single father, guiding her through the challenges of young adulthood while protecting her from those who might seek to exploit her fame. “She has great friends—but I’ve learned to keep one eye open,” Larry shared with E! News in June. “It feels like I’m always on security duty, always scanning the room. We’ve had to make life adjustments. But at the same time, we’ve had so much support.”

Larry expressed pride in the young woman Dannielynn has become: “I’m proud of the young woman she’s become: silly, smart, fun and beautiful.” His protective nature and dedication have clearly helped shape her growth and public presence.