Fats Timbo Reveals Why She Walked Away From Her Marriage: “I Had to Choose Myself”

Content creator, comedian and disability advocate Fats Timbo speaks candidly about the end of her marriage, the pressure to stay in relationships and why her happy ending doesn't have to involve a husband or children, in the latest episode of FUBAR Radio's What the Health?!

Fats Timbo has opened up about her divorce and the difficult decision to leave her marriage, revealing that despite appearing happy to the outside world, she knew she needed to put herself first. Speaking to host Claira Hermet on FUBAR Radio's What the Health?!, Fats reflected on how dramatically her life has changed since writing her book Main Character Energy, when she was still happily in love. She said: “One minute your girl's married, next minute I'm telling the world that I'm getting a divorce.”

Explaining why she made the decision to leave, she continued: “I need to be able to choose myself. I can't keep putting someone else first that doesn't even put themselves first.” Fats admitted that walking away was frightening, particularly when her relationship had appeared so happy to others. “I think a lot of people stay in relationships because they're scared of what people might think. They're scared of being alone. They're scared of what what life holds, and it's familiar.” She added “It was terrifying to come out of something where I was looked so happy to the outside world, but at the same time I had to live my truth.”

Despite the challenges of her divorce, Fats revealed that she is now feeling happier and stronger than ever, having learned to prioritise her own needs rather than constantly trying to please others. Discussing the expectations placed on women to find happiness through marriage and children, Fats also questioned why being single couldn't be a happy ending in itself. “Why is the stereotype of happy ending, married marriage and kids. Why can't my happy ending be a rich auntie?”

She explained that she is now embracing her independence, enjoying single life and dating on her own terms. "I'm finally settling in, being on my own and enjoying singlehood, and enjoying working and exploring.” She added that she has a clearer understanding of what she wants from a relationship and is no longer prepared to compromise her self-worth. “I'm not lowering my standards.”

Elsewhere in the episode, Fats discusses her experiences of bullying and discrimination growing up, the impact these experiences had on her mental health and how therapy helped her build confidence. She also shares why she believes confidence comes from taking action, encouraging others to challenge their fears and live life on their own terms.