Gabrielle Union isn’t backing down in the face of criticism – and she has some advice for those who are criticizing her recent comments about infidelity in her previous marriage.
Union looked stunning on the red carpet at the season 3 premiere of Apple TV+’s drama series Truth Be Told, which took place on Thursday at the Pacific Design Center in West Hollywood, and she spoke about the backlash she’s received for comments she made on a recent episode of Dax Shepard’s Armchair Expert podcast.
“If you’re going to get your knickers in a tangle about something I’ve been talking about since 2005 — in not one, but two New York Times best-selling books — at least listen to the whole thing,” Union said, rolling her eyes at the backlash. “Just to let you know where your rage is.”
Union reflected on her tumultuous first marriage to former Jacksonville Jaguars player Chris Howard during the episode in question, which aired earlier this month. The couple met in 1999, married in 2001, and divorced four years later.
Union described their relationship as “just dysfunctional from day one,” adding that she felt “entitled” to cheat because she made more money than her ex-husband.
“I was paying all the bills, I was working my a** off,” the actress recalled. “Like my father before me, whoever has the most gets to do whatever the hell they want, is what I thought,” she said of infidelity.
Union described herself at the time as “horny for validation,” saying, “Having certain kinds of guys like me and want me… made me feel like I was worthy, good, valuable, and deserving.” She explained that she is now her “own motherf**king validation… and prize.”
Union viewed the criticism as evidence of unequal gender expectations.
“I think people were really angry that a woman would dare to be as dysfunctional as a man,” Union joked. “Because that’s what I referred to it as. And illogical!”
Union will join the acclaimed drama series this season, which she describes as “hitting close to home.”
“The show takes place in the bay area, and this season specifically is talking about the sexual trafficking of young black and brown girls,” explained Union, adding that shows like Truth Be Told are important because of “these conversations right here. To direct the conversation, energy, and resources to where they are most needed.”
