Sherri Shepherd has built a successful career on her comedic instincts and bubbly, larger-than-life personality. But lately, the former ‘The View’ co-host hasn’t had much to smile about.

It all started last May, when Sherri, 47, and her ex-husband, Lamar Sally, 44, split after nearly three years of marriage. “Things had become so contentious that it got to the point of no return,” a friend tells ‘Closer.’

At the root of the drama: Lamar’s accusations that Sherri is not taking responsibility for six-month-old Lamar Sally, Jr., who was born via surrogate on Aug. 5, 2014.

sherri shephard lamar sally

Sherri and her ex-husband Lamar.

Now the surrogate, Jessica Bartholomew, has stepped into the fray as well. In a recent interview with ‘Inside Edition,’ she claimed that Sherri ditched her mid-pregnancy and never even bothered to meet the child — a press campaign that Sherri believes was orchestrated by Lamar.

Related Story: Sherri Shepherd’s Surrogate Speaks Out, Says ‘The View’ Star Won’t Pay Child Support

“Sherri is very upset that Lamar keeps running to the media — she thinks he’s doing it to apply pressure and make her bankroll his lifestyle,” says the friend.

Don’t expect the star to roll over: “She hates being made out to be the evil witch, but she doesn’t take to threats well at all. She’s sticking to her guns.”

To read the full story on Sherri, pick up the new issue of ‘Closer Weekly,’ on newsstands now!