In a candid and unfiltered revelation, Hollywood actress Gabrielle Union has opened up about the reasons behind her infidelity during her first marriage to former NFL running back Chris Howard. Known for her bold and unapologetic personality, Union shared explosive details about their "dysfunctional" relationship on a popular podcast, shedding light on a tumultuous chapter of her life before she found love with NBA legend Dwyane Wade.
The Explosive Podcast Confession
During an appearance on The Armchair Expert podcast with host Dax Shepard in January 2023, Gabrielle Union did not hold back. She described her marriage to Chris Howard, which lasted from 2001 to 2005 with a legal separation in 2006, as flawed from the very beginning. Union stated that neither she nor Howard believed their marriage should hinder their dating lives, creating a toxic cycle of retaliation.
"In my first marriage, neither one of us felt like the marriage should get in the way of our dating," Union confessed. She admitted her cheating was partly a reaction to his actions, saying, "I was like, 'Oh, that’s what you’re doing? Oh, you’re going to feel this one.'" She also cited a sense of entitlement, fueled by being the primary breadwinner. "I just felt entitled to it as well. I was paying all the bills, and I was working my a** off. It was just dysfunctional from day one."
Lack of Remorse and Retrospective Regret
In a moment of stark honesty, Union admitted to feeling little guilt about her actions at the time. However, looking back, she expressed a wish for more remorse. She critically assessed the relationship's foundation, believing it never should have progressed beyond dating. "I wish I had more guilt for some of that; it was such a stupid relationship that should have never got out of the dating phase," she reflected.
This period of her life stands in contrast to her current family with Dwyane Wade, with whom she shares a daughter, Kaavia James, born after Union's traumatic experiences with motherhood.
Chris Howard's Graceful Response
Following the public release of these candid comments, Chris Howard was approached for his reaction. The former NFL star chose to take the high road, demonstrating grace and well-wishes for his ex-wife. He stated that he was unaware of her specific podcast comments but focused on her present happiness and success.
"I wasn’t aware of any comments by my ex-wife Gabrielle Union on a podcast or anywhere else," Howard said. "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." This supportive stance is consistent with his past expressions of love and support for Union's relationship with Dwyane Wade.
Gabrielle Union's raw confession offers a rare glimpse into the complexities of a high-profile marriage that ultimately failed. While she owns her part in its dysfunction, her ex-husband's dignified response highlights a mutual, if distant, respect. Today, Union has clearly moved on, building a strong family unit with Miami Heat icon Dwyane Wade, leaving the chaos of her first marriage firmly in the past.
