Sofia Vergara responds to ex Joe Manganiello’s claim they didn’t split over having children

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Sofia Vergara has opened up about her reaction to ex-husband Joe Manganiello's recent comments regarding the reasons behind their divorce, revealing her approach to handling public speculation and personal challenges.

In an interview with Variety, the 'Modern Family' star, 52, expressed surprise at Manganiello's statements, in which the 'True Blood' actor, 47, denied that their decision to end their eight-year marriage was influenced by his desire to have children.

Sofia Vergara throws shade at Joe Manganiello’s divorce remarks

Despite Joe Manganiello's claims, Sofia Vergara shared that her secret to happiness lies in not dwelling too much on life's challenges.

"When you sit too much with your thoughts, that’s when people get depressed and people get paralyzed. I always keep active," Vergara told Variety. "What the f**k can we do? Nothing. We have to keep living."

She's embracing a mindset of not overanalyzing things, which is the same attitude she's applying to Manganiello's public denial of the reason behind their breakup.

Even though she had earlier mentioned that their relationship ended due to her reluctance to be an "older" mom, Manganiello denied that claim last month, saying it was "simply not true."

"At the end of the day, you never even know if that’s what he said for real,' Vergara said. "I’ve read a lot of things that I’ve said that I’m like, "Huh?" What am I gonna do, call him?"

In a candid interview with Men’s Journal, the Magic Mike star, 47, refuted claims that their breakup was due to disagreements over starting a family, a narrative that has circulated since their separation in July 2023.

"There’s been a lot said in the press about me wanting a family. That’s simply not true," Manganiello explained.

He revealed that the couple had initially tried to have children during the first year and a half of their marriage. Reflecting on their early relationship, Manganiello shared that they had a significant conversation about their future just a month into dating, where he told Vergara, "If you’re done with kids, then I understand. Just tell me, and I’ll know what this is, and that’s OK. But that wasn’t the case with her."

Though he hopes to have a family in the future, the performer clarified that differences over having kids "wasn’t inevitably why everything ended."

Manganiello emphasized that their separation was not due to any ultimatum regarding children, but rather a natural growing apart that can happen between two people. "It’s because two people grew apart, and sometimes that happens," he said, adding that he had vowed never to leave Vergara if things didn’t work out between them. "And I didn’t," he insisted.

Manganiello voiced his frustration over Vergara’s earlier comments, in which she suggested their marriage ended because her husband "was younger" and "wanted to have kids."

"To be painted as if I had some sort of midlife crisis, and after nine years, turned to somebody and gave them an ultimatum of, do this potentially unhealthy thing to your body, or else I’m gone? That’s never who I was," Pittsburgh stated.

The actor also expressed his frustration over Vergara’s previous comments, which suggested their marriage ended because he wanted children while she did not. Vergara had told El Pais in January 2024 that she didn’t want to be an "old mom," stating that she was more prepared to be a grandmother than to have another child.

"I didn’t want to be an old mom," she said. "I feel it’s not fair to the baby. I respect whoever does it, but that’s not for me anymore."

She continued, "I had a son at 19, who is now 32, and I’m ready to be a grandmother, not a mother. So, if love comes along, he has to come with (his own) children."

Vergara and Manganiello announced their divorce in July 2023, citing "irreconcilable differences" as the reason for ending their marriage. Two days later, Manganiello officially filed for divorce, listing their date of separation as July 2.

Since their split, both have moved on to new relationships. Vergara has been linked to orthopedic surgeon Justin Saliman, with the couple first spotted together in October 2023. Meanwhile, Manganiello has been seen with actress Caitlin O'Connor, who recently celebrated her 35th birthday.

Sofia Vergara’s reaction to Joe Manganiello’s reason for breakup draws attention

Sofia Vergara’s reaction to Joe Manganiello’s recent comments about their split has sparked a flurry of online discussions and reactions, as per Daily Mail. The public debate centers around Manganiello’s assertion that their breakup was not solely about their differing views on having children, contrary to what Vergara had previously suggested.

One user commented, “It kind of sounds to me that Vergara just didn't choose to listen to Joe Manganiello. He wanted kids, they tried and it didn't happen. Now she wants everyone to believe it was because they didn't have kids. He says no...there were other reasons. I believe him.”

Another perspective offered was, “Two people on different journeys. I think she's got a little too big for her britches. I'm sure he's relieved to be away from her. Wishing him all the best.”

In contrast, some users criticized Manganiello’s explanation. “The whole we grew apart nonsense. In a year he’ll be having a baby with a 25-year-old,” one commenter remarked.

Vergara’s ongoing comments about the breakup have also drawn criticism. A user noted, “Her constantly commenting on him is classless and becoming super tacky. I definitely expected more from her. Makes me glad I didn’t drone on and on about my ex-husband.”

Another user added, “This woman is only in love with herself. She & JLo should be best of friends.”

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.