Gabrielle Union recently got candid about cheating on her first husband, Chris Howard, suggesting their marriage was not in a state of bliss at the time.
The 50-year-old Bring It On actress sat down with Dax Shepard and Monica Padman for a recent episode of the Armchair Expert podcast, and she made some surprising revelations about past infidelities.
‘Dysfunctional’ Marriage
Union was married to Chris Howard, former NFL player, 47, from 2001 to 2006. However, she described the marriage as dysfunctional from day one and confessed that it was a stupid relationship that should have never gotten out of the dating phase.
Nothing In Common
According to her, she and Howard had nothing in common – “no morals, no values, no scruples” – except perhaps their interest in “other people,” as her therapist once said. She explained that she felt “entitled” to cheat and claimed that he was unfaithful as well.
Marriage Didn’t Stop Her From Dating Other People
“In our first marriage, neither one of us felt like the marriage should get in the way of our dating,” the L.A.’s Finest star said. She also felt justified in her actions for a number of reasons.
‘Felt Entitled To It’
“I just felt entitled to it,” she explained. “I was paying all the bills, I was working my a** off and I felt like that’s what comes, the spoils of riches.”
Her Upbringing Had Something To Do With It
Union noted that her own father had been the same. That was why she believed that “whoever has the most gets to do whatever the hell they want.”
Both Union and Howard Were Unfaithful
She explained that because Howard was also cheating, she wanted to give him a dose of his own medicine. “A part of it was keeping up with his activities and I was like, ‘Oh, that’s what you’re doing? Oh, you’re gonna feel this one,’” she said.
On Feeling Validated
Back then, Union described herself as “horny for validation”, because men wanted her, she felt she was worthy, valuable and deserving.
Now, however, she feels she is her “own motherf***ing validation.”
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Response From Howard
According to FanNation , Howard has responded to Union’s statements, saying, “I wasn’t aware of any comments by my ex-wife Gabrielle Union on a podcast or anywhere else. What I do know is that she appears to be very happy with her new family and she’s continued to do very well with her career and activism. I wish her and her family nothing but the best.”
Union’s Second Marriage
The actress is now married to NBA star Dwyane Wade and the couple have a 4-year-old daughter together.
