What’s going on with Thandiwe Newton? 5 reasons fans are worried, from her Magic Mike’s Last Dance movie exit and on set behaviour, to that bizarre interview and a possible treatment facility

Apr 23 , 2022

Fans are concerned about Thandiwe Newton following a string of alarming incidents. Photo: Getty

Often taking stands on social issues from racism to sexual assault, the English Westworld star appeared with Smith in The Pursuit of Happyness – but denied getting in a fight about him

Her marriage to Ol Parker may be in trouble amid claims of her closeness to 25-year-old rapper Lonr, while her comment on Kristen McMenamy’s Instagram post drew concern too

Celebrated actress, devoted wife and mother of three – Thandiwe Newton has been admired not only for her achievements in the film industry, but also her willingness to address issues around race, stereotyping and sexualisation of black women. Now, however, there are growing concerns around her mental state after her sudden exit from the set of the highly successful Magic Mike franchise in the middle of filming.

English actress Thandiwe Newton, OBE. Photo: @thandiwenewton/Instagram

The 49-year-old English actress denied reports of a fight with co-star Channing Tatum (who plays the lead role in the film franchise), which led to a Warner Bros. Pictures spokesperson admitting that she was dealing with “family matters”, according to The Guardian. The spotlight turned to her marriage, then her apparent erratic behaviour led to claims that those around her have rallied together to try and get her into a treatment facility, according to British media reports. The outcome, at the time of writing, does not bode well: the star has supposedly been resisting going to a facility.

Here’s everything you need to know about the award-winning star and the current worries surrounding her.

The shock Magic Mike exit

Thandiwe Newton, who has now left the cast of Magic Mike’s Last Dance. Photo: @thandiwenewton/Instagram

Reports of Newton’s exit from the cast of Magic Mike’s Last Dance first emerged in early April, with British media claiming she had had a fallout with Tatum. Newton had already been filming for 11 days in London when, according to the reports, the two had a public altercation while discussing Will Smith slapping Chris Rock at the Oscars on March 27. Smith got onto the stage and slapped the comedian after Rock ridiculed Smith’s wife Jada and her battle with alopecia.

Newton appeared alongside Smith in the 2006 hit The Pursuit of Happyness. According to British media, Newton and Tatum’s fight escalated to “astonishing” levels and Tatum, who is also the film’s producer, had her fired. But according to The Guardian, this claim has been denied, with a spokesperson for Warner Bros. Pictures citing Newton voluntarily stepping away from the project “to deal with family matters”.