Gabrielle Union Reveals Shift on 50/50 Marriage Financial Split

LOS ANGELES – Actress Gabrielle Union has reexamined her stance on the 50/50 financial split she shares with husband Dwyane Wade, acknowledging its roots in trauma. In a recent episode of the ‘Balanced Black Girl‘ podcast, Union discussed her evolving views on finances in her marriage, which sparked widespread debate two years ago.

Union, who initially championed an equal division of household expenses, previously defined her philosophy as ’50/50 or bust.’ This concept extended beyond finances, encompassing emotional and spiritual dimensions as well. She stated, ‘I famously said 50/50 or bust, and I meant that in every aspect—financially, spiritually, emotionally.’

However, she has come to realize that her perspective was more about control than equality. ‘There are days where I have 10%, and I need him to be 90%. There are days I don’t have anything, and I need him to be 100%.’ This admission highlights a new understanding of the complexities of her relationship with Wade, a Hall of Famer whose net worth significantly outweighs hers.

Union shared that her previous insistence on splitting bills was influenced by a ‘scarcity mindset’ stemming from her background as a struggling actress. ‘I thought I was going to die’ when Wade suggested she relinquish some financial control, she recalled. ‘I had such bad anxiety. I was crying and shaking.’ In that vulnerable moment, Wade reminded her, ‘You insisted on that. I thought it made you feel better.’

This shift in mindset emphasizes the emotional underpinnings of their financial dynamics. Union discussed how she has recognized these patterns as a ‘trauma response,’ tracing back to her diagnosis of PTSD after experiencing sexual assault at age 19. ‘The extreme anxiety, the anxiety attacks, being hyperfocused on efficiency and time, and being fiercely independent are all trauma responses,’ she explained.

Moreover, working on the series ‘Truth Be Told,’ which delves into the experiences of Black girls who have gone missing and been assaulted, forced Union to confront her past. ‘The show unveiled the depths of my disassociation,’ she said, adding that it has significantly contributed to her healing journey.

Union’s new perspective on financial matters aims to foster closeness in her marriage. ‘It’s brought us closer because he knows it’s not about whether he can afford it—it’s about being vulnerable enough to trust each other,’ she said. ‘I’m okay as his wife, he’s okay as my husband, and I’m trying to expand my heart to understand what vulnerability means.’

Registering her journey towards greater vulnerability, Union recognizes that relinquishing control over financial responsibilities is a process. ‘These are baby steps,’ she said. Despite acknowledging that it feels uncomfortable to allow Wade to assume more financial duties, she sees it as a necessary part of their evolving partnership.

As their discussions around finances continue, Union hopes to inspire others to reflect on their own financial dynamics in relationships. ‘It feels good to relinquish some of these things,’ she noted. Ultimately, she views her journey as a work in progress, emphasizing that true empowerment comes from vulnerability and trust.