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Madison Pettis just unleashed a bombshell confession about her ex. The 27-year-old actress called Michael Porter Jr. a ‘psychopath’ during a podcast appearance last week, revisiting a past relationship she deliberately left behind. This candid moment reveals troubling behavior from the NBA star before his professional rise.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Podcast: Madison appeared on ‘In Your Dreams With Owen Thiele’ last week at the 54-minute mark
- Relationship Timeline: The pair dated from late 2016 through mid-2017 when he was still in college
- NBA Timing: Pettis ended the relationship before Porter Jr. was drafted by Denver in 2018
- Current Status: Porter Jr. now plays for the Brooklyn Nets after being traded from Denver in 2025
Actress Breaks Silence on Troubling Dating History
Madison Pettis opened up during her podcast interview about dating in professional sports. The Disney Channel veteran explained her Warriors fandom and mentioned watching NBA games regularly. When asked if she’d date another athlete, she became surprisingly honest about her past. She revealed that her ex is now an NBA star, but his behavior made her end things years ago.
Pettis described Porter Jr.’s conduct as deeply concerning when they were younger. She explained her decision to leave the relationship before his career took off into the NBA. This wasn’t a standard breakup story, but rather a calculated choice to protect herself from someone exhibiting warning signs.
Madison Pettis calls ex Michael Porter Jr. a ‘psychopath’ on podcast
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The Exact Moment She Called Him Out
Around the 54-minute mark of the podcast, Pettis made her explosive statement. She stated: “I broke up with him before he was in the league because he was a psychopath.” The confession came naturally during her conversation with host Owen Thiele. Pettis continued discussing relationships with professional athletes, acknowledging the complexities.
She noted that while many athletes aren’t great partners, she wouldn’t rule out dating one entirely. However, her experience with Porter Jr. clearly left a lasting impression. The actress emphasized her respect for athletes’ passion and competitive drive, yet maintained healthy boundaries based on personal experience.
Their Past Relationship and Timeline
| Detail | Information |
| Dating Period | Late 2016 to Mid-2017 |
| How They Met | Porter Jr. slid into her Instagram DMs after she commented on his birthday post |
| His Status Then | High school and college basketball player at University of Missouri |
| Break-Up Timing | Before his 2018 NBA draft by Denver Nuggets |
“My ex is now in the NBA. When we dated, he was in high school and college. I broke up with him before he was in the league because he was a psychopath. I do think a lot of athletes are not great partners, but I wouldn’t rule it out.”
— Madison Pettis, Actress and Podcast Guest
Michael Porter Jr.’s Controversial Track Record with Dating
Michael Porter Jr. has gained attention beyond basketball for his outspoken views and podcast appearances. The 27-year-old NBA forward currently plays for the Brooklyn Nets, after being traded from the Denver Nuggets in June 2025. He has made headlines in recent months for provocative statements about women and relationships on various podcasts.
Last year, Porter Jr. revealed that he uses Andrew Tate videos as dating tests with women. According to reports, he explained his strategy of playing controversial content to gauge how prospective partners react. He stated he plays devil’s advocate during conversations to evaluate women’s thinking patterns. This behavior pattern seems consistent with the troubling conduct Pettis described from nearly a decade ago.
Why Is This Story Trending Across Entertainment and Sports News?
The internet exploded with reactions to Pettis’s candid confession. Entertainment and sports outlets immediately picked up the story, with Complex, Sports Illustrated, and HotNewHipHop leading coverage. The revelation adds new context to Porter Jr.’s public persona and controversial podcast appearances. Fans and critics alike are questioning his behavior both then and now.
Madison Pettis has successfully transitioned from child star to accomplished actress with over 20 million social media followers. Her career includes iconic roles like Sophie Martinez on Disney Channel’s ‘Cory in the House’ and Peyton Kelly in the 2007 film ‘The Game Plan’ opposite Dwayne Johnson. Her willingness to speak honestly about past relationships demonstrates growth and maturity in how she navigates public life.
Sources
- Complex – Detailed reporting on Madison Pettis’s podcast appearance and her comments about Michael Porter Jr.
- Sports Illustrated – Coverage of the story with context about Porter Jr.’s current NBA status with Brooklyn Nets
- Fadeaway World – Entertainment analysis of the podcast interview and relationship timeline
