WATCH THE VIDEO HERE Ava DuVernay is speaking candidly about her decision to remain unmarried and child-free, and she’s making it clear—this was never a sacrifice for her career, but a conscious choice she stands by. In an exclusive preview of her appearance on The Unusual Suspects with Kenya Barris and Malcolm Gladwell, the Selma director and Origin filmmaker was asked if she would make a different choice if given the chance to start over. Her answer? A firm no. “I am not married and I don’t have children,” DuVernay, 52, stated. “I am the oldest of five. I’ve had a lot of small children in my life for a long time, so I never felt like I wanted to have kids.” She recalled how her mother initially believed she would change her mind, but DuVernay remained certain. “I don’t feel like I would be a good mother for a child. I don’t want to do that, and I think in the most ideal scenario, you should want to do that. I just don’t want to.” While DuVernay has experienced meaningful romantic relationships, she admitted that marriage has never appealed to her. “I feel like marriage would constrict me to behave in a traditional way,” she explained. “And me being gone so often and me being on top of a mountain in New Zealand shooting with a helicopter—these are not traditional things for a woman.” Her words highlight the societal expectations placed on women, particularly regarding relationships and family life. For many, marriage and motherhood are seen as natural milestones, but DuVernay has paved her own path, proving that fulfillment can come in many forms. When asked if her career and choice to forgo marriage and children have made romantic relationships difficult, DuVernay gave a refreshingly honest answer: “No, because I’m not asking for that. If you’re looking for a husband to stand by while you’re off doing these things, I think you’re going to have a harder time. But if you’re not looking for a husband… [and instead for] companionship, partner…” Essentially, she’s not searching for someone to fit into a traditional role, which makes her dating life much simpler. Ava DuVernay’s openness about her choices is a reminder that not every woman dreams of marriage or motherhood—and that’s okay. She’s built a groundbreaking career, directed Oscar-nominated films, and continues to tell powerful stories, all while living life exactly how she wants. Her story is proof that fulfillment isn’t one-size-fits-all, and for her, happiness means freedom, creativity, and breaking away from tradition. What do you think about Ava’s perspective? Do you agree that marriage and children aren’t for everyone? Breaking Free From Tradition
Has Her Career Affected Her Love Life?
Living Life on Her Own Terms
Unmarried Ava DuVernay: I Would Have Been Bad Wife & Worse Mom!
