Gabrielle Union Explains Why She No Longer Goes “50/50” in Her Marriage to Dwyane Wade

Gabrielle Union Shifts Perspective on Financial Sharing with Dwyane Wade

In a recent podcast appearance, Gabrielle Union revealed a change in her approach to finances in her marriage with Dwyane Wade. Known for her previous stance on splitting finances evenly, Union clarified that she has now moved away from the “50/50” model. Her commentary ignited considerable debate online in 2023 when she shared her thoughts on equally dividing expenses despite Dwyane’s significant wealth.

At the time, Dwyane Wade’s net worth was approximately $170 million, while Union’s was around $40 million. Gabrielle stated in her earlier discussions that she felt a strong desire to share the financial load equally, despite Dwyane’s numerous offers to support her financially. However, on the Balanced Black Girl podcast, Union reflected on the backlash she received for that viewpoint and her reasons for reevaluating it.

Union candidly recounted the emotional toll the public scrutiny took on her. “I famously said, ’50/50 or bust,’ and I meant it across all aspects—financially, spiritually, emotionally,” she shared. However, Gabrielle acknowledged that there are days when she feels overwhelmed and needs Dwyane to provide greater support. She admitted, “On certain days, I have only 10%, and I need him to give 90%.”

Delving deeper into her thoughts, Union attributed her desire for control to her traumatic experiences as a teenager. After being diagnosed with PTSD following a sexual assault at 19, she recognized that her need for independence was a coping mechanism. Reflecting on her journey of healing, she noted that filming the Apple TV+ series Truth Be Told triggered deeper introspection about her past.

“I experienced a moment of realization that being so controlled was my way of managing chaos,” she explained. Gabrielle emphasized the importance of trust in her relationship, saying, “Being vulnerable enough to trust someone with everything—my heart, my finances, my energy—was a big step.”

Discussing a pivotal conversation with Dwyane after confronting her trauma, Union shared, “I asked him if he would take on the full mortgage. In that moment, I was filled with anxiety, but Dwyane reminded me that I had insisted on splitting everything before.” Gabrielle recalled, “I told him I wanted to shift our arrangement for a month. It was a healing process for me.”

She highlighted that this shift in perspective has brought them closer as a couple. “I may have settled on covering about 35% of the mortgage instead of the full half, but imposing that change has allowed me to build trust,” she said. “It helped us grow as a family, where I realized it’s okay to let go and know that we are a team.”

The discussion resonated with many listeners, highlighting the importance of navigating relationships with honesty, vulnerability, and communication. For those who have been affected by sexual violence, resources such as the National Sexual Assault Hotline are available, offering support for recovery and healing.