Reflecting on a Turbulent Union
Lena Waithe recently offered a candid perspective on her short-lived marriage to Alana Mayo. During an appearance on the Armchair Expert podcast with Dax Shepard, the 42-year-old creator of The Chi admitted that at the time of her wedding, she felt trapped by the expectation of what she “should” be doing rather than what she truly desired.
Waithe and Mayo were together for three years before becoming engaged in 2017. They tied the knot in 2019, but the relationship ended abruptly just two months later. In a joint statement released in early 2020, the former couple announced their split, emphasizing mutual support and requesting privacy.
The Conflict of Personal Priorities
Looking back at the dissolution of the marriage, Waithe acknowledged that she had sidelined her own well-being to prioritize the relationship. “My happiness didn’t feel like it was important,” she confessed. “I think what was most important was that I honor this relationship.”
Waithe expressed gratitude for the experience, describing Mayo as an “amazing human” who fundamentally changed her life. However, she noted that the couple simply had different long-term visions, particularly regarding family planning. “I actually realized I didn’t want to have children,” Waithe explained, noting that she struggled for some time to fully understand her own identity and desires.
Regrets and Moving Forward
The actress and writer expressed regret over how the relationship concluded, describing the process as chaotic. “It was done in a way that felt like a car crash,” she said. “I wish I could have landed the plane better, you know what I mean? But I think ultimately… it’s about giving yourself grace and looking back at it and going, ‘Oh, you could have handled that much better.’”
Despite the difficult end, Waithe maintains no ill will toward her ex-partner. She noted that she is pleased to see Mayo happy, stating, “That to me is how you know you really love somebody, is that when you want them to be happy and happier without you.” She concluded that ending the marriage was the correct decision, as she would have been unable to provide the life Mayo truly desired.
Since the separation, Waithe has moved forward in her personal life and, as of 2024, has been linked to Cynthia Erivo, while Mayo has maintained a more private existence away from the media spotlight.