Jennifer Hudson’s husband, David Otunga, has been a central figure in many public conversations about the singer and actress’s personal life. From their early days as a power couple to the emotional challenges they later faced, the story of Jennifer Hudson and David Otunga is one that’s captured media attention for years. In this post, we’ll dive into who David Otunga really is, what their relationship looked like, and where things stand now, especially after their split in 2017.
So, you might be wondering, what exactly happened between Jennifer Hudson and David Otunga? Well, there’s a lot more to their story than just the headlines. Whether you’ve heard bits and pieces in the news or are just now becoming curious about Jennifer Hudson’s family life, this is the place to get a clear, comprehensive look at everything related to Jennifer Hudson’s husband.
From David’s career as a former WWE star to the couple’s brief time together on the public stage, there’s a lot to unpack. Let’s break it down, piece by piece, and explore the real story behind Jennifer Hudson’s husband.
Table of Contents
- Biography of Jennifer Hudson
- Who Is David Otunga?
- Jennifer Hudson and David Otunga: Their Relationship Timeline
- The Split in 2017 and Aftermath
- Where Is David Otunga Now?
- Frequently Asked Questions
Biography of Jennifer Hudson
Born in Chicago, Illinois, Jennifer Hudson rose to fame after appearing on the third season of American Idol. Though she didn’t win, her powerful voice and commanding stage presence quickly earned her a Grammy Award and an Academy Award for her role in the film *Dreamgirls*. Since then, she’s become a household name through her music, film roles, and more recently, her daytime talk show, *The Jennifer Hudson Show*.
But beyond her career, Jennifer’s personal life has also drawn public interest, especially when it comes to her family and past relationships. Let’s take a closer look at her life off-stage and screen.
| Full Name | Jennifer Kate Hudson |
|---|---|
| Born | September 12, 1981 |
| Birthplace | Chicago, Illinois, U.S. |
| Occupation | Singer, Actress, TV Host |
| Spouse | David Otunga (Married 2008–2017) |
| Children | David Daniel Otunga Jr. (born 2009) |
Who Is David Otunga?
David Otunga is best known for his career in professional wrestling, specifically with WWE. Before stepping into the ring, Otunga was a lawyer, having earned a law degree from Harvard University. But he left that path to pursue wrestling full-time, where he found moderate success as a tag team wrestler and later as a solo performer.
His marriage to Jennifer Hudson in 2008 brought him even more visibility, and for a time, the couple was a regular fixture in celebrity media. However, their relationship was far from smooth sailing.
David Otunga has also dabbled in reality TV, appearing on *WWE NXT*, and has made appearances on other shows, often tied to his wrestling persona. But his personal life, especially his relationship with Jennifer, has often overshadowed his professional work.
Jennifer Hudson and David Otunga: Their Relationship Timeline
Their love story began in the late 2000s, and they tied the knot in 2008. Jennifer gave birth to their son, David Daniel Otunga Jr., in August 2009. At the time, they looked like a dream team—Jennifer with her rising star in music and acting, and David balancing his WWE career with family life.
However, cracks started to appear behind the scenes. There were reports of tension in the marriage, and in 2017, it was officially announced that the couple had separated. The news came through a representative, and it wasn’t the first time their relationship had made headlines for the wrong reasons.
Before the split, Jennifer had gone through a deeply tragic time, losing her mother, brother, and nephew in a 2008 murder case. That loss weighed heavily on her, and it’s believed the strain of that tragedy, among other issues, affected her marriage.
The Split in 2017 and Aftermath
In November 2017, Jennifer Hudson’s team confirmed that she and David Otunga were no longer together. While the official statement was brief, the details surrounding their split were far more complex. Jennifer had spoken publicly about the emotional toll their relationship had taken on her and her son.
In one particularly emotional interview, she revealed that she once had to call security to her studio because she felt threatened by David. She also shared a disturbing incident where David allegedly confronted her at their home and took their son by the arm.
These claims brought up serious concerns about domestic safety and parental responsibility. Jennifer has since focused on her healing and rebuilding her life as a single mother, while also pursuing her thriving career in entertainment.
Since the split, David Otunga has kept a relatively low profile, though he has continued to work in the wrestling world and has occasionally made appearances in the media.
Where Is David Otunga Now?
As of 2025, David Otunga is no longer with WWE and has stepped back from regular wrestling appearances. He’s occasionally spotted at wrestling events or in interviews, but he’s not as active as he once was.
He has spoken about his past marriage in interviews, though he’s often vague or avoids going into too much detail. What is clear is that his life has taken a quieter turn since his time in the spotlight with Jennifer Hudson.
Despite everything, Jennifer has remained focused on her music, acting, and her talk show, which launched in 2022. She’s also been open about her journey through grief and healing, and how she’s raising her son as a single mom.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Jennifer Hudson have a husband?
Yes, Jennifer Hudson was married to David Otunga from 2008 to 2017. The couple announced their separation in November 2017 and have since gone their separate ways.
What does David Otunga do now?
David Otunga is a former WWE wrestler and Harvard-trained lawyer. While he’s no longer active in WWE, he’s made occasional appearances in the wrestling world and has also been in the media spotlight due to his past marriage to Jennifer Hudson.
Did Jennifer Hudson and David Otunga have children together?
Yes, Jennifer Hudson and David Otunga have one son together named David Daniel Otunga Jr., who was born in August 2009.
Learn more about Jennifer Hudson's career and her journey after her marriage here on our site.
