Gabrielle Union Responds to Backlash Over 'Controversial' Infidelity Comments

The actress is letting it be known exactly how she feels about the situation.

Gabrielle Union isn't afraid to clap back at a little criticism.

The actress is standing on everything she said by silencing haters who took her previous reflection on infidelity in her first marriage out of context, or who simply take issue with her exposing her own truth.

The Being Mary Jane star hit the premiere event for Season 3 of Apple TV+'s drama series Truth Be Told at the Pacific Design Center in West Hollywood on Thursday, opening up to ET about some of the backlash she's received in regards to her comments, which were made during a Jan. 2 episode of Dax Shepard‘s Armchair Expert podcast.

Related: Gabrielle Union Says She Felt 'Entitled' to Cheating in First Marriage

At the function, Union made a point that the statements under fire have already been previously documented and published for all to read in her books—2017's We're Going to Need More Wine and 2021's follow up, appropriately titled You Got Anything Stronger?

"If you're gonna get your panties in a twist about something I've been talking about since 2005—in not one, but two New York Times best-selling books—at least listen to the whole thing," the 50-year-old said, per the outlet. She rolled her eyes at the displaced discourse, adding, "Just so you know where your anger actually is."

Union went on, joking, "I think people really felt anger that a woman would dare be just as dysfunctional as a man."

Related: In Gabrielle Union's New Book You Got Anything Stronger?, How She Found Peace in Vulnerability

During the podcast episode in question, the Bring It On actress looked back on her tumultuous first marriage to former Jacksonville Jaguars player Chris Howard. The two met in 1999, tied the knot in 2001, and divorced four years later.

As Parade previously reported, Union described the marriage as "dysfunctional since day one," and said she "definitely was not getting wife of the year awards" as she recalled feeling "entitled."

“In my first marriage, neither one of us felt like the marriage should get in the way of our dating,” Union told the comedian. “A part of it was like keeping up with his activities, like, ‘Oh, that’s what you’re doing? You’re going to feel this one.’ And I just felt entitled to it as well.”

She continued: “I was paying all the bills. I was working my a** off and I felt like that’s what comes, the spoils of riches," adding, “It was such a stupid relationship that should have never got out of the dating phase." She also likened her thought process at the time to that of her father's. "Like my dad before me, whoever has the most gets to do whatever the hell they want, is what I thought."

Union later described herself as "horny for validation" back then, saying, "Having certain kinds of guys like me and want me ... made me feel like I was worthy and good and valuable and deserving." She noted that now, she is her "own motherf**king validation... and prize."

As for her newest gig, Gabrielle is joining the acclaimed drama series this season alongside Octavia Spencer and Mekhi Phifer, which she said "hits close to home," according to ET.

"The show takes place in the bay area, and this season specifically is talking about the sexual trafficking of young black and brown girls," she explained, adding that shows like this are important because of "these conversations right here. To bring the conversation and energy and resources where we need it most."

Season 3 of Truth Be Told premieres Friday, Jan. 20, on AppleTV+.