Gabrielle Union is revisiting the strong reactions she received after revealing that she and her husband, Dwyane Wade, split their finances equally.
In a recent episode of the "Balanced Black Girl" podcast, Union reflected on her mindset behind the decision, stating, “I famously said, ‘50/50 or bust,’ right? And I meant that—financially, spiritually, and emotionally. It’s a trauma response… and 50/50 is, ‘I’m not going to be vulnerable enough to trust you with 100% of anything. Not my heart, not my cash.’”
Union explained to podcast host Les Alfred that her experience of being sexually assaulted at 19 and her subsequent PTSD diagnosis shaped her strong sense of independence and focus on efficiency. Over time, she learned to let go of some control within her marriage, which ultimately strengthened her relationship with Wade.
“It’s being vulnerable enough to be open enough to know that I’m OK. I’m OK as his wife. He’s OK as my husband. I’m OK in this family. I’m OK in this home. I deserve it,” she shared, adding that she is working on expanding her understanding of vulnerability in relationships.
Union also acknowledged the fluid nature of their partnership, saying, “There are days I have 10 percent, and I need him to be 90 percent. There are days I don’t have anything, and I need him to be 100 percent.”
Union first discussed their financial arrangement in a 2023 interview, which sparked controversy on social media. Many were shocked that she would split expenses evenly with an NBA star whose net worth is estimated at $170 million, compared to her reported $40 million.
Wade later addressed the backlash on "Club Shay Shay," clarifying the reasoning behind their approach. “I have 20 to 50 responsibilities, and my wife has 20 to 50 responsibilities,” he explained. “She has her mother, her sisters, her dad—she has a lot of things she’s responsible for. She pays 100 percent of that, and you know what I do? I pay 100 percent of my life.”
Wade also emphasized that for shared expenses—such as their home and daughter’s upbringing—they contribute equally. “In our life, our home, we purchased it together 50/50. Anything that goes on with our daughter, we share it together.”
Union and Wade’s approach to marriage and finances challenges traditional expectations and reflects a deeper commitment to mutual respect and balance. Their evolving relationship dynamic highlights that true partnership isn’t just about money—it’s about trust, teamwork, and emotional support.
