Dwyane Wade recently revealed the difficult conversation he had with Gabrielle Union that almost led to the end of their long-term relationship. The NBA Hall of Famer discussed the moment when he disclosed to Union that he had fathered a child, Xavier Zechariah Wade, with another woman named Aja Métoyer during a break in their relationship in 2013. The Miami Heat legend admitted he initially attempted to end things with Union, believing it would be the best course of action given the circumstances.
Wade told sports commentator Shannon Sharpe in a previously aired clip from his June interview on the "Club Shay Shay" podcast that he tried various approaches to break the news gently, citing problems in their relationship and emotional distance. However, Union persisted and remained in the picture.
A difficult situation
Eventually, Wade realized he had to have a candid and difficult conversation with Union about the situation. He acknowledged the fear and uncertainty surrounding this conversation but understood that it would deeply affect someone with whom he had built a life and relationship. Despite external opinions and judgments, Wade emphasized the importance of facing the situation head-on, and he credited Union's support during this challenging time.
By December 2013, the couple had reconciled and were back together. They announced their engagement through Instagram photos, and they got married in Miami in 2014. However, the 2013 incident remains an ongoing emotional journey for both of them.
Wade expressed that their relationship hasn't been perfect, and they continue to work through the aftermath of the 2013 argument through therapy, conversations, and efforts to move forward. He emphasized that time passes and apologies do not erase the past.
Union's perspective
Union also shared her perspective on discovering Wade's involvement in fathering another child in her memoir "You Got Anything Stronger?" published in late 2021. She expressed the profound impact of the revelation on her and the difficulty she faced in finding words to describe her feelings.
Wade's primary concern is the potential psychological impact on his son from this situation. He worries about the stigma associated with his son for something he had no control over, and the negative impact it could have on his son's future, even though he hasn't had a chance to achieve anything yet.