Lena Waithe Opens Up On Why 2-Month Marriage To Film Executive Alana Mayo Ended Like A ‘Car Crash’

Alana Mayo, Lena Waithe

Lena Waithe Opens Up On Why 2-Month Marriage To Film Executive Alana Mayo Ended Like A ‘Car Crash’

#LenaWaithe is getting candid about her previous marriage that ended almost as quickly as it began.

Speaking on Armchair Expert with actor #DaxShepard, Lena reflected on her brief marriage to film exec and producer Alana Mayo. ICYMI: Their union only lasted two months after they secretly wed in November 2019. The exes dated longer than they were married – for five years – and became engaged in 2017, before separating in early 2020 and finalizing their divorce the following year. Looking back on it all, Lena says she now recognizes she entered the marriage focused on honoring what they had built together, rather than honestly assessing what she truly wanted for her own future.

“I just didn’t have the language or understanding of that,” #TheChi creator expressed, explaining that her happiness “didn’t feel like it was important.” Lena described the end of the marriage as a “car crash,” and while she wishes things had been handled differently, she directs most of her criticism inward. “I just sort of like, was driving the car too fast, not knowing the gear, and just sort of going,” Lena said before adding, “I wish I could have landed the plane better.” Despite the pain of the split, Lena says the experience ultimately reshaped how she thinks about love. “That’s how you know you really love somebody, when you want them to be happy and happier without you.”