Paige Muniz, the estranged wife of actor Frankie Muniz, has publicly defended him after online backlash forced him to delete a light-hearted divorce announcement video. The couple, who share a five-year-old son named Mauz, announced their separation on Wednesday night after 10 years together.
Video Sparks Controversy
The original post featured the family of three dancing enthusiastically to Check Yes, Juliet by We The Kings. Frankie captioned it: 'Who says you can’t stay best friends with your baby momma?' However, many commenters criticized the tone, with one writing: 'Frankie out here dropping a divorce announcement like it’s a Malcolm in the Middle blooper reel. Kid doing the guitar solo while mom and dad ‘celebrate’ splitting up is wild.' Another user, @lobocashflow, added: 'Some things deserve to stay deleted, bro.' Some accused him of turning the divorce into a 'spectator sport.'
Paige's Defense
After Frankie, 40, removed the video and replaced it with a family photo from a NASCAR race, Paige, 33, commented on his new post: 'Frankie, I am so sorry that you felt the need to delete an old fun video of our family because people are so cruel to you. This world is so f*****… divorce is bad, sure — it’s not like we’re excited about it… but we’re two adults who know how to be on the same team. I can’t believe people could scrutinise that.'
Supporters Rally
Many fans also came to Frankie's defense. User Holland wrote: 'People are so weird, I’m sorry you felt like you had to delete the dancing video. We’re so used to public toxicity over divorce that people really, really project when they see a couple ending on amiable terms.' Another follower pointed out double standards: 'Society: “Stop hating on your ex. It’s so toxic for the kids to see. You can remain friends for the sake of the kids.” Also Society: “Omg you guys are remaining friends in a healthy way to raise your son? And made a cute fun video of you guys? What horrible people you are.”'
Official Statement
Frankie's initial statement read: 'Life update! Following a period of separation that we kept private, Paige and I have decided to move forward with ending our marriage. After 10 beautiful years together, we’ve grown in ways that made us realise our relationship feels most natural and strong as a deep friendship and as co-parents. We share an incredible son who remains the centre of our world, and we’re both happier, stronger parents because of the love and growth we’ve shared.' He acknowledged Paige's sacrifices, saying she 'put her own dreams on hold' for his career. The couple met in 2016, married in 2019, and welcomed their son in March 2021.
Muniz's Career
Frankie Muniz, best known for the title role in Malcolm in the Middle—which was rebooted earlier this year—also starred in Big Fat Liar (2002) and Agent Cody Banks (2003). He took a hiatus from acting in 2006 to pursue professional race car driving. Earlier this year, he told Us Weekly that his career was straining his personal life, calling Paige a 'saint' who was 'sacrificing so much' for his dreams.
