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. She explained that over time, the couple gradually lost harmony in their lifestyles and life goals, making it difficult to sustain the marriage. She emphasized that the divorce had nothing to do with financial matters such as income or differences in appearance. She also firmly denied any infidelity.
Wu revealed that the couple held a simple wedding in 2007 without lavish bride price traditions. She explained that she had never placed great importance on material wealth, as her father had provided her with a stable upbringing. “When I married Mr. Ma, we started from nothing. I didn’t ask for a single cent in bride price,” she said. “I’ve never valued material things too much because my father already gave me everything growing up. My father always said marrying off a daughter isn’t selling her, and marriage should not be about money, so he refused to accept any bride price. My parents are my greatest support.”
After their wedding, Wu stepped away from her acting career to focus entirely on her family for a decade. Becoming a full-time mother caused her to gradually lose confidence and feel physically and emotionally exhausted. She described herself as being “very tired every day,” which ultimately contributed to growing distance in the relationship.
“Divorce may help me become better,” she reflected. “It’s not about whether he is handsome or not. We were simply not on the same wavelength and not suitable for each other. Nowadays, there are many divorces, but because we are public figures, everything becomes magnified. I don’t think we have hurt each other since the divorce. We remain friends and share two sons.”
Regarding long-standing rumors about Ma Jingtao’s alleged “violent temper,” Wu did not directly respond but repeatedly stressed that there have been no conflicts between them after the divorce. The former couple continues to co-parent their sons amicably, even offering each other well wishes in their respective new relationships. She also shared her personal philosophy that “divorce does not mean failure” and that “parents are the source of one’s confidence.” Her remarks drew praise from many viewers, who described her as a “model of maturity and independence.”
Ma Jingtao and Wu Jiani met while collaborating on a drama. Despite their 20-year age gap and Ma having previously been married with a daughter the couple maintained a stable family life for a decade before eventually parting ways.
Ma Jingtao has enjoyed a 28-year career in the entertainment industry and rose to fame through numerous classic productions, including The Heaven Sword and Dragon Saber, where he portrayed Zhang Wuji. In recent years, he has reduced his acting projects, appearing mainly on variety shows and performing at events. He is currently reported to be dating a younger woman.
Sources: Ngoisao