After 9 years of marriage and one child together, actors Channing Tatum and Jenna Dewan-Tatum shocked the world by announcing their plans to divorce. Being together for almost a decade is practically an eternity in Hollywood, and this was certainly one union people thought was going to last. Thus, fans are still in shock and struggling to process this news, even though the announcement came weeks ago.
The former lovers shared their decision in a joint statement, posted to both of their Instagram accounts. “We have lovingly chosen to separate as a couple,” it read. “We fell deeply in love so many years ago and have had a magical journey together. Absolutely nothing has changed about how much we love one another, but love is a beautiful adventure that is taking us on different paths for now.”
The couple chose to emphasize in their statement that their divorce isn’t the result of some big secret or scandal- rather it sounds like they simply fell out of love. “There are no secrets or salacious events at the root of our decision- just two best friends realizing its time to take some space and health each other live the most joyous, fulfilled lives possible,” it continued.
Fans are obviously curious to know exactly what went wrong between Channing and Jenna, given that their separation came seemingly out of the blue. Check out these 20 revelations that have come about since these exes announced their sad news… maybe it will give you a better idea of the reason why Channing and Jenna are no more!
20 Jenna Already Dropped Channing’s Last Name
She’s no longer Dewan-Tatum! It didn’t take long for Jenna to remove the hyphen from her last name from all of her social media accounts- now she’s simply going by her maiden name, Dewan. But not everyone is impressed by the change.
While some fans weren’t surprised that she began using her original last name after announcing their divorce news, others felt that the change came too early and was insensitive given how long she and Channing had been married.
“Remove Tatum from name: check. Remove clothes for IG pic: check,”
one angry follower commented on a recent photo of Jenna’s, in which she was posing seductively in only lingerie. Another so-called fan wrote, “That was fast. Most people are not in a hurry but it seems like she been over it for awhile.”
However, many fans came to Jenna’s defense amidst the slew of negative comments. “Look everybody, people get divorced. It happens, people fall in love and sometimes they grow apart and sometimes they don’t. Stop scolding her for it,” one fan passionately wrote. Another said: “You on here judging this pic and her name change but if Channing did the same on his IG, you wouldn’t say a f–king word […] Women’s bodies are not community property for you to decide what is acceptable. She should’ve never changed her name anyways, it’s an archaic tradition.” She’s got a point!
19 Katie Holmes May Have Come Between Them
After announcing their divorce, tons of reports suggested that Channing’s wandering eye was to blame for the dissolution of their marriage.
One source went so far as to claim that his co-star Katie Holmes drove a wedge between Channing and Jenna. It definitely must be hard seeing your hubby go to work with such gorgeous female co-stars! “When Channing recently did a movie with Katie Holmes, it was hard for Jenna not to feel a bit jealous and insecure,” the insider explained to Hollywood Life. “She would wait by the phone for Channing to call, to check in after wrapping on set, and that was stressful.”
Evidently, Channing’s increasing fame and female fans became too much for Jenna to handle. The source continued, “It became impossible for her to stay married to a big personality when Jenna felt like she was always competing for her husband’s time while he was working with gorgeous women like Katie.” The source added, “The strain on the relationship brought them to where they are now, split up.” While there’s no official word on whether Katie and Channing were ever romantically involved, most women can understand how crazy it must have driven Jenna!
18 They May Be Starting A Custody Battle
Unfortunately, divorces that involve kids are usually ten times more complicated than ones without. During their 9-year marriage, Channing and Tatum welcomed one child, almost-5-year old daughter Everly. Since announcing the sad news, the parents have put on an amicable front for the sake of their child. But a recent Instagram of Channing’s has fans wondering whether these two are really so friendly IRL.
Channing posted what seems like a sweet photo of his little girl during a hike in the desert, but it was his vague caption that sparked concern.
"Well, It looks like I lost my daughter in the jundland wastes. This is the last pic i have of her. #tatooinebaby,”
he wrote alongside the pic. While many fans gushed over how adorable Everly looked in the shot, many were confused as to what the dad meant by “the last pic.” “What happened?” one confused asked. “Why? Don’t you get to see your daughter,” another commented.
Some fans went so far as to speculate that this was Channing’s way of hinting he and Jenna will have custody issues in the future. “Wow! What went wrong with U & Jenna that us feel the need to post this???” One Instagram follower commented. Another added, “If your wife, or ex took her, and won’t let you see her, call your attorney immediately.”
Do you think this means Jenna and Channing might be fighting over Everly?
17 Things Were Lacking In The Bedroom
Who would have thought that a couple as gorgeous as Channing and Jenna could have problems in the bedroom!
In what seems like foreshadowing before their divorce, Jenna got candid just this past February when she admitted hers and Channing’s love life wasn’t up to par.
Specifically, the actress said that two have had trouble spicing things up in the bedroom, and were on the verge of having to schedule intimate times.
“We have not yet scheduled [it], but we do schedule time together, so maybe that is sort of scheduling [intimacy],” Jenna told Health magazine in a cover spread. “We will go away for a weekend to get time, but we have no real regimented schedule. I have friends who do this [schedule 'it']; it’s on the calendar. We’ve never done that—it might actually be a good idea.”
Many former couples say that a lacking love life was at least partially to blame for their break-up, so it sounds like this could have definitely been a contributing factor in Channing and Jenna’s split. In the same interview, the actress admitted that they had been working on their marriage problems for a very long time, so it appears even then they knew that divorce was inevitable.
16 Channing’s Indulgences Might Have Been The Problem
Fans have been dying to know the real reason as to why things didn’t work out between Channing and Jenna. While the couple has maintained that there was no big fight or drama that caused them to split ways, the public has been theorizing about what’s really the truth.
One popular theory has suggested that Channing’s drinking may be to blame. In a 2014 interview, Channing admitted, “I probably drink too much. My wife, that's what she bought into.” Rumor has it the actor enjoys hitting the bottle a bit too much for his soon-to-be ex-wife, and that it’s also gotten him in trouble for flirting with other women on more than one occasion. That would definitely be a deal breaker!
However, Jenna was quick to shut down the rumors. A representative for the actress released a statement denying that Channing’s drinking contributed to their decision. “Happy to clarify that absolutely none of these rumors are true,” the statement read. “The reason our statement was so positive [was] because that’s the reality of the situation.”
Both Jenna and Channing have maintained that there’s no big, dark secret underlying their split. Rather, it seems like a classic case of two lovers simply growing apart. Do you buy into it?
15 Say Channing Stepped Out On Jenna
There are tons of theories as to why the Dewan-Tatums are no more- and one of the leading theories is that Channing may have been unfaithful. How could you betray someone as beautiful as Jenna?
Infidelity rumors have followed the couples for years, but no one can forget the allegations that followed the She’s The Man star in 2014, only a year after Jenna had given birth to their only child. While filming for the movie Foxcatcher, Channing allegedly had a bit too much to drink and began serenading a female co-star. “After they filmed a scene together, he began singing Total Eclipse Of The Heart to her and grinding up against her,” an insider told Star Magazine at the time.
“Their faces were touching while they danced and he sang.”
The insider went on: “At first it seemed like a joke, but then Channing took it further. He twirled the girl around and kept dipping her. I was in complete shock.” Neither Jenna nor Channing have publicly confirmed or denied the infidelity rumors. But, if what the source says is true, then we have doubt Jenna would have a hard time simply forgiving and forgetting.
14 Distance Was A Big Factor
Anyone who’s had to put up with a long distance relationship knows just how difficult and stressful it can be. It’s especially tough when there’s no end in sight, which is typically the case for actors who are always traveling for their next movie role or press tour. Sources have confirmed that Jenna and Channing’s conflicting schedule was to blame (at least partially) for their failed marriage.
“[Their divorce was] due to spending more time apart because of the pressure of work,” an insider told Page Six. “Channing has been working non-stop, with four movies announced for 2018 alone,” they continued, “It is hard on a marriage to be apart so much, especially when you have a young child. Plus, Jenna is in pre-production for the movie Berlin I Love You.”
Nevertheless, the source says that Channing and Jenna are committed to putting on a united front for their daughter- so don’t expect them to trash talk each other in the media any time soon! “Both Channing and Jenna are devoted to their daughter and have worked hard to spend as much happy family time together,” the insider revealed. “Despite the problems in their relationship that the distance has seemed to magnify.”
13 Channing Still Likes Her Insta Pics
When most exes break up, they immediately delete each others’ numbers and unfollow the other on social media. At the very least, they stop liking each other’s social media posts. But clearly, Jenna and Channing are the exceptions to that rule. Fans have been keeping close tabs on the former lovers’ social media behaviors, and many have begun to notice that Channing isn’t holding back his love on Instagram.
Specifically, the actor has liked almost every one of his soon-to-be ex-wife’s posts in the last few weeks – that’s very amicable, considering they’re only new exes! The Fix reports that some of the photos Channing liked included Jenna’s sultry Vegas Magazine cover shoot and a still from her most recent appearance on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, where she briefly even opened up about their split. Channing has also been liking other steamy photos (like lingerie and workout shots) of Jenna’s, showing that there’s no bad blood between these two.
Even post-split, Jenna maintains that she and Channing will always care for each other. "We started out as friends, and I would say it was an instant recognition," she admitted in her interview with Vegas. "When we met [on the set of Step Up in 2005], it felt like we had known each other for many years. Ultimately, no matter what Chan and I are doing, we're really great friends. I think that will never change, no matter what."
12 Jenna Is Known To Get Jealous
Given how many female fans Channing Tatum has, it’s no surprise that Jenna would get jealous every now and again. But it turns out that Channing’s flirty attitude didn’t help to reassure his wife – and now many fans think her jealousy and his flirting is what got between their marriage.
“Channing is a total flirt and that was hard for Jenna to deal with. He is funny, smart and really charming on set whether he is talking to his cute co-stars or the production assistants, he is nice to everyone,”
an insider dished to Hollywood Life. “The charming guy on set is who Jenna first fell in love with and later it became hard on her every time he left to do a movie, which was all the time. Everyone on set loves Channing and he is often surrounded by beautiful women at work.”
The source continued, “His successful career made things really difficult for them to have a healthy relationship. He was gone all the time and Jenna was often left worrying about what could have been going on at the set while she stayed home raising their daughter.” It would be tough for any woman not to get jealous when put in this situation!
11 He’s Already Moved Out
Jenna and Channing wasted no time in dividing their assets! By the time the couple publicly confirmed their split, sources said they were already living separately. More specifically, it sounds like Channing has moved out of the home they originally shared, and their daughter is living full-time with Jenna (at least for now).
“Jenna has been going out of her way to avoid seeing Channing as they do their best to co-parent during their split,” an insider explained to Hollywood Life. They continued, “She is putting on a brave face, but deep down it still hurts a lot. Channing is not living at the house they shared and for now their daughter is staying at home with Jenna.”
The insider added that pick-ups and drop-offs with their daughter are the most painful for the newly separated exes. The source explained, “When Channing does come to the home to pick up and spend time with their daughter, Jenna is careful to leave quickly to avoid dealing with Channing.” They added, “She’d prefer not to see him, it’s too painful. Emotions are still pretty raw and things are difficult for the couple right now, despite how sweet they are trying to make them appear to be.” How heartbreaking!
10 They Couldn't Decide About Having More Kids
Many fans wondered for years if Channing and Jenna were ever going to have a second child, and now many believe that disagreement on the topic is what led to their split. Just this past February, Jenna told Health magazine that the pair were undecided over whether to expand their family or not. After the article was published, many fans felt that Jenna was implying she was ready for a larger brood, but that it was perhaps Channing who was resistant.
“I haven’t yet made my decision, and I’m leaving it to the universe to show me the way. I love the idea of another child, and it might be in the cards, but I’ll know when I know,”
Jenna told the magazine. She added that she resents the pressure many women in their 30s feel to plan out when they’ll have another child. “A lot of women I know plan it, and that’s their decision. They want it within three years, but that was not a possibility for us. It felt too overwhelming,” she explained.
However, Jenna made sure to emphasize how she loves being a mother to 4-year old Everly. “I’m so thrilled with one child. If the desire [for another child] comes around, it will happen, that’s the way I look at it,” she explained.
9 Jenna Is Focusing On Work To Cope
Jenna has spoken publicly about their break-up several times in the last few weeks, always thanking fans for their support and love during this difficult time. Despite how sad we all feel for her, the actress insists that she’s doing well post-split- and her career is better than ever! It appears the star has been turning to her work to cope with their divorce, and its clearly making her enthusiastic and productive. "I'm good, I'm really good. I so appreciate all the love and everything,” Jenna said when asked by Entertainment Tonight how she was dealing with the break-up.
The actress then quickly changed the topic to talk about she may win an Emmy for her show World of Dancing. "For us to be recognized for that in that way would be huge for everyone involved," she said. "I really believe that we're changing the game in a lot of ways, especially for dancers. And to have that just continue to elevate and be seen by the Academy would be like absolutely amazing." It sounds like Jenna has some truly exciting things happening in her career, which is honestly the best thing to happen after going through a divorce. You go, girl!
8 They Still Spend Time Together
Most freshly-divorced couples want to avoid each other at all costs- but not Jenna and Channing! Sources say the soon-to-be exes are on very friendly terms. So much so, that the pair has been spotted spending time together alongside their 4-year old daughter, Everly.
“Jenna is still on good terms with Channing,” a source told People Magazine. “They get along. They spend some time together as a family, but mostly separately with Everly.” The insider continued:
“They really wanted to make their marriage work. But neither of them are people who will stay in something that isn’t fully right.”
While the source said that the divorce has of course been an adjustment for the small family, but they added that Jenna has been “doing well” with everything.
Given that the pair has still been hanging out, many fans remain convinced that a reconciliation is just around the corner. It’s clear that Jenna and Channing still care about each other deeply even though they’re no longer together. So this is one celeb couple we wouldn’t be surprised to hear got back together in a year or two. Fingers crossed at least!
7 Channing Might Regret The Split
Like any divorce, there are bound to be a ton of conflicting emotions going on between Jenna and Channing. While the celebs have made it clear that their marriage is over, sources have been saying that the soon-to-be exes have been wondering whether they made the right decision- and it sounds like Channing may even have some regrets!
A source spilled to US Weekly that Channing has been missing his other half. “Channing definitely misses Jenna,” the insider said in response to photos showing the actor stepping out without his wedding for the first time. The source also added, “Jenna has a crazy work schedule right now and is feeling good and has a lot going on.”
Another source explained that the couple’s split didn’t happen because they fell out of love, but because they felt they were living more as friends. “Things had turned more into a friendship between Jenna and Channing,” they said. “There wasn’t any crazy drama or fighting. They were constantly traveling for work and it turned out that they were better apart and not together romantically anymore.”
Many fans have taken these sources’ words as hope that Channing and Jenna might reconcile in the future – do you think it’s too good to be true?
6 Fans Think Jenna Is Acting ‘Too Happy’
Everyone deals with tragedy in different ways, so it's unfair to expect celebrities to act a certain way after they just announced their divorce. Everyone will behave differently, and take different amounts of time to process things. But Jenna has been getting a lot of heat online for allegedly looking ‘too happy’ post-split- really?! The actress hasn’t shied away from social media since announcing their sad news and has been updating fans with tons of sultry and behind-the-scenes photos of her life. But this hasn’t been sitting well with all of her fans.
One steamy black-and-white pic showing Jenna glancing into a mirror with the caption “Thaaat’s a wrap!” (which she posted on May 9th) got major backlash from some of her followers. The Stir Cafe Mom reports that some followers accused her of making a sly reference to the end of her marriage, “That’s a wrap? You mean your marriage?” one confused fan asked. Another commented, “Kinda sad you seem sooo happy to get divorced with kids involved. Just tough. Sad for kids.”
For the most part, it seems that these so-called fans are overreacting. And isn’t the point of getting a divorce so that everyone is happier in the end? We should be happy that Jenna seems so happy given all of the sadness going on, rather than tearing her down for not seeming miserable! Where’s the logic in that?
5 They Tried For Years To Save The Marriage
Both Channing and Jenna have been adamant that their divorce isn’t something they’re taking lightly; both actors worked long and hard for the past few years to save their marriage, but say the conclusion they have reached is that they’re just better as friends.
“But I think a couple needs to be conscious and to want to do the work and be willing to look at the parts of you that need work. Both of us have been pretty aware and willing to do that,” Jenna told Health this past February, right before making their divorce announcement.
“We’ve always had the same values. But we’re not perfect! Are you kidding? We fight like other couples, we disagree about things, we have days where we don’t really like each other.”
The actress added that she thinks people shouldn’t expect marriage to be a life-long commitment. “I don’t think there should be any expectation, any sort of ‘You’re bonded to me for the rest of your life,’ thick and thin. I think that’s an older generational thought,” she explained. She also said: “When people say you guys have such a perfect life, I want to scream and tell them no one’s perfect.”
4 Jenna Spent Mother’s Day Alone
Given that Mother’s Day fell only a few weeks after these two announced their divorce news, many fans were curious as to how they would celebrate this time around. The new exes have been seen spending time altogether with their daughter as a family. But Jenna made sure to confirm Channing would not be helping her celebrate Mother’s Day.
Talking to Entertainment Tonight, Jenna said her plans for Mother’s Day include spending a bit of time with her daughter Everly, and then just enjoying some “me time” – at the spa, to be specific. "I always want Mother's Day to be, like, family. I want to do something together, I want to be with Evie, I just have a really nice day and then the next day, I want to go to the spa," Jenna said. "That's what I want. I want the balance. I want the mommy time and then I want the me time. So that's my plan."
The mom jokingly added that she’ll miss having the traditional breakfast in bed, but added that she’s fine with it given Everly’s age. "I mean, that would be terrifying. No one wants Evie cooking breakfast for anybody ever," Jenna laughed, adding that her daughter will likely give her a hand-painted mug. It sure doesn’t sound like Jenna is going to be sad on Mother’s Day!
3 Experts Don’t Think They’ll Get Back Together
Fans have been crossing their fingers and hoping that Jenna and Channing might reconcile- after all, they’ve been one of our favorite Hollywood couples for years! But relationship experts have all been agreeing on one thing: it looks like these two are never, ever getting back together.
“It’s very unusual for this to come out of nowhere. So, you can imagine that if they’re at the point where they’re coming out and announcing this, then it’s been a long, painful journey for them leading up to it,” Relationship expert Dr. Jenn Mann told Hollywood Life. “I think it’s interesting that this separation/divorce is coming at the 9-year mark, which as you know is a very common time in Hollywood because 10 years marks a long-term marriage and then puts the bigger bread earner in a position of potential spousal support forever. So, I think the 9 years is a well-thought-out choice.”
Dr. Mann continued, “I think it’s lovely for the sake of their daughter they are presenting a united front. I think that’s a very positive choice for their daughter. And, it does sound like these two genuinely did try to work on the relationship, but unfortunately it was not salvageable.” We’re heartbroken!
2 It’s Been Harder On Channing Than Jenna
While neither Channing nor Jenna have taken to pointing the finger at each other, sources say that Channing is having a tougher time handling the split than Jenna is… which makes us wonder if the divorce was her idea.
“[It has] been hard for Channing,” the insider told People Magazine.
“He always had Jenna and their family to go home to, so having their separation be ‘official’ now has been a big adjustment for him.”
The source added that things have been a bit easier for Jenna, who’s been relying on her close group of gal pals and focusing on work. “Jenna has a super-packed schedule and a ton of girlfriends to lean on and spend time with. Her life isn’t really changing … if anything, she’s just busier,” the insider explained.
It sounds like Channing’s life has changed a lot more than Jenna’s has given the divorce. It probably doesn’t help that sources have also confirmed Channing was the one who moved out of their family home in which their daughter is staying with Jenna full-time. Though the two exes appear to be on (extremely) amicable terms, fans can’t help but wonder if the divorce will get messy as they try to divide the assets and custody.
1 They’re Still In Love With Each Other
Many soon-to-be divorced couples act like they loathe each other, especially when the news of their break-up becomes public… well, not Channing and Jenna. The actors have only said positive things about one another since announcing their sad news, emphasizing that there was no big drama or secret that led to their split. By the sounds of things, it appears as though these two are still madly in love with each other.
Just take their divorce statement as proof! In their joint statement, the former couple emphasizes how much they still loved each other, writing that nothing really changed during their decades-long marriage.
“We fell deeply in love so many years ago and have had a magical journey together. Absolutely nothing has changed about how much we love one another, but love is a beautiful adventure that is taking us on different paths for now,”
the statement read.
They added: “There are no secrets nor salacious events at the root of our decision — just two best-friends realizing it’s time to take some space and help each other live the most joyous, fulfilled lives as possible.” Do you think their divorce is as amicable as they’re making it seem, or is there more to the story?
References: People Magazine, Hollywood Life, Hollywood Life, Health Magazine, Us Weekly, Instagram, Entertainment Tonight, The Stir Cafe, ET Online, People Magainze, Cafe Mom, People Magazine, Hollywood Life, Hollywood Life, The Fix, Page Six, Daily Mail, Daily Mail, Hollywood Life