Hollywood sex symbol Channing Tatum seems to have finally severed the last emotional thread connecting him to his ex-wife Jenna Dewan. Recently, the 45-year-old actor was spotted on the coast of Costa Rica in the company of his new girlfriend, 26-year-old Australian model Inkky Williams. However, the attention of paparazzi and fans was drawn not so much to the couple’s tender feelings as to the clear skin on the torso of the star of the film “Magic Mike.” The famous tattoo, which he got more than fifteen years ago as a sign of eternal love for his first wife, has disappeared from the actor’s right side. This gesture has become a powerful final chord in the protracted and painful divorce proceedings, which lasted almost seven years.
The story of this inscription dates back to 2009. Immediately after their wedding, Tatum and Dewan, who met on the set of the dance hit “Step Up,” went on their honeymoon to Bali. It was there that they decided to immortalize their feelings by getting matching tattoos with a phrase from their wedding vows – “Side by side.” Channing chose the rib area for the inscription, and Jenna had the same text applied to the top of her foot. In 2012, when People magazine named Tatum the sexiest man alive, the actor proudly spoke about this symbol: “It was our joint decision. We didn’t want to get each other’s names tattooed, we were looking for something deeply symbolic.” However, years later, the “eternal” vow turned into a reminder of difficult legal battles.
Expert Analysis: Tattoo Culture and the Psychology of Removal
From the perspective of the professional tattoo community, getting rid of matching tattoos is a classic plot in the industry. In tattoo culture, there is an unspoken superstition: getting names or vows of fidelity tattooed to a partner is often called a “curse” that leads to a quick breakup. Psychologically, the process of laser tattoo removal is much more complex than its application. For a public figure of Tatum’s caliber, it is not just a cosmetic procedure, but a public declaration of complete emotional freedom. It is worth noting that the ribs are one of the most sensitive areas on the human body. Laser removal in this area requires immense patience and endurance, which further emphasizes the actor’s determination to leave the past behind. Modern technologies, such as picosecond lasers, allow for the virtually traceless destruction of pigment without leaving scars, which is critically important for an actor who often appears shirtless.
Financial Finale: “Magic Mike” and Property Division
The tattoo removal coincided with the final legal resolution of disputes between the former spouses. Although the couple announced their separation back in April 2018, and officially became free in 2019, financial matters remained a stumbling block. The main subject of dispute was the profit from the “Magic Mike” franchise. Jenna Dewan argued that the project was launched during the marriage and financed from the family budget, and therefore she had the right to half of the income. Recall that the first film, with a modest budget of 7 million dollars, grossed over 167 million worldwide, spawning successful sequels, Las Vegas shows, and reality projects.
According to documents filed with the court on November 26, the parties finally reached a consensus. The key details of the agreement are provided below:
| Division Parameter | Agreement Terms |
|---|---|
| SAG Pension Savings | 50/50 split for the marriage period (2009–2018) |
| Magic Mike Income | Settled within a confidential agreement |
| Parental Rights | Joint custody of daughter Everly (born 2013) |
| Spousal Support | Mutual waiver of payments |
This compromise allowed for the avoidance of celebrity witnesses in court, including director Steven Soderbergh and Jenna’s current fiancé, Steve Kazee. While Channing enjoys his vacation in Costa Rica with Inkky Williams, Jenna Dewan is also building a new life: she is engaged to Steve Kazee and has two children with him – son Callum and daughter Rhiannon. For both actors, removing old “marks” and finalizing court proceedings signifies the beginning of a new chapter, where “Side by side” no longer relates to their shared reality. In the world of tattoos, this case will become another example that even the most sincere vows, imprinted on the skin, sometimes have to be erased with the help of high technology.