“I Broke Down, I Cried” — Funke Akindele Opens Up About Life After Divorce
Funke Akindele has built an empire with her talent, strength, and resilience — but even the strongest have moments when they just need to breathe.
In an honest conversation during the live edition of the WithChude podcast, the award-winning filmmaker shared a deeply personal story — one that many women may quietly relate to.
After her marriage to music executive JJC Skillz ended, Funke found herself at the center of public chatter. But it wasn’t just the whispers — it was a video mocking her for not having a husband that finally brought her to tears.
“I’ve always believed therapy is important,” she said, “but I avoided it. I didn’t want people gossiping about my personal life. So I kept pushing through, acting like everything was fine. But inside, I was tired.”
She held it together after losing her mother, after political criticism, and after being constantly reminded of how many people look up to her. But even superheroes need a safe space.
“There was a clip of women dancing and laughing at me because I didn’t have a husband. I watched it, and I just broke. I cried so much that day,” she shared.
That moment pushed her to finally open up to a therapist — and it made all the difference.
“I said to myself, you need help. And I got it. I found someone to talk to, and I started feeling lighter. Things I couldn’t say to anyone else, I could say there. And I want to tell you — don’t hold it all in. Please speak up. It can save you.”
Her story isn’t just about heartbreak. It’s about healing, finding the courage to ask for help, and knowing that strength sometimes looks like being vulnerable.
