Darren Waller’s music video stirs controversy amid divorce drama with Kelsey Plum

The aftermath of the divorce filings between Darren Waller and Kelsey Plum is unfolding in unexpected ways. The recently divorced NFL athlete released a music video featuring an actress who bears a striking resemblance to his ex, WNBA icon Plum. This creative endeavor has garnered significant attention, sparking a mix of reactions from the public and commentators alike.

On May 30th, Waller’s song “Who Knew (Her Perspective)” dropped, offering fans more than just a melancholic breakup ballad. In an Instagram post, Waller shared that the song emerged from “a strong conviction to do something different” back on February 3rd. The lyrics confront the emotional wreckage head-on: “Take your time and heal / Just take a time out and feel / The nights we opened up and we knew how much that you and I were real.” The video’s climactic beach scene depicts a Plum lookalike stabbing Waller in the back mid-embrace—a powerful metaphor.

NFL legend, Shannon Sharpe, taking a pragmatic view, admitted on his show that he does not “really care” about the relationship drama but acknowledged the Las Vegas Aces star as “a very, very attractive young lady.” Conversely, Chad Johnson praised the creativity of the video, saying, “The video is creative!” The raw, heartfelt crooning showcased in the music video reveals a vulnerable side to the elite tight end that only a few get to witness.

However, not all reactions were positive. ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith criticized Waller’s new track during an on-air meltdown, calling it “really, really bad.” Smith’s reaction was echoed by Kansas City Chiefs star Chris Jones, who described the track as “terrible slime.”

Waller and Plum, who married in March 2023, filed for divorce just 13 months later. Plum expressed her heartbreak on Instagram, stating, “I’m devastated. I walked through fire for that man, but now I see it’s time to go.” She added, “God has given me such an incredible life, and I’m truly so grateful for the profound love from my family and friends. One day I’ll share my story, today is not that day.”

While Waller works through his pain, his NFL future hangs in the balance. Amid swirling retirement rumors, the Giants are giving their star tight end the space to figure out his next steps, both personally and professionally. Since becoming the highest-paid tight end in the league, Waller has been plagued by persistent injuries, starting just 27 games over the last three seasons. 

The release of his music video reveals a vulnerable side of Waller and adds a complex layer to his public persona, offering a window into his emotional state as he navigates both personal and professional upheavals.