Wu Jiani, the ex-wife of veteran actor Ma Jingtao, has spoken publicly for the first time about her decision to divorce him after 10 years of marriage and two children together.
Appearing on an online program, Wu Jiani candidly addressed the breakdown of their relationship. He explained that as time passed, the couple gradually lost harmony in their lifestyle and life goals, making it difficult to maintain the marriage. He emphasized that divorce has nothing to do with financial issues such as income or differences in appearance. He also strongly denied any infidelity.
Wu revealed that the couple had a simple wedding in 2007 without lavish bride price traditions. She explained that she never placed much importance on material wealth, as her father provided her with a stable upbringing. “When I married Mr. Ma, we started from nothing. I didn’t ask for a single cent of the bride price,” he said. “I never put too much value on material things because my father already gave me everything growing up. My father always said that marrying a daughter doesn’t mean selling her, and marriage shouldn’t be about money, so he refused to accept any bride price. My parents are my biggest support.”
After their marriage, Wu abandoned her acting career to focus entirely on her family for a decade. Becoming a full-time mother made her gradually lose confidence and she felt physically and emotionally exhausted. She described herself as being “very tired every day,” which ultimately contributed to increasing distance in the relationship.
“Divorce can help me get better” he mused. “The question isn’t whether it’s good or not. We just weren’t on the same page and weren’t right for each other. There are a lot of divorces these days, but because we are public figures, everything gets magnified. I don’t think we hurt each other after the divorce. We remain friends and have two children.”
Regarding the long-standing rumors about the alleged Ma Jingtao “violent character”, Wu did not respond directly but repeatedly stressed that there were no conflicts between them after the divorce. The former couple continues to collaborate amicably with their children, also exchanging best wishes in their respective new relationships. He also shared his personal philosophy “divorce does not mean failure” and that “Parents are the source of one’s confidence.” Her remarks received praise from many viewers, who described her as one “model of maturity and independence”.
Ma Jingtao and Wu Jiani met while collaborating on a drama. Despite the 20-year age gap and the previously married mom with one daughter, the couple maintained a stable family life for a decade before splitting.
Ma Jingtao enjoyed a 28-year career in the entertainment industry and rose to fame through numerous classic productions, including The Heavenly Sword and the Dragon Saberwhere he played Zhang Wuji. In recent years he has scaled back his acting projects, mostly appearing in variety shows and performing at events. He is currently rumored to be dating a younger woman.
Sources: Ngoisao
