The internet has a funny way of making you feel like you know exactly what’s going on in someone’s living room. For years, John Gaines and Victoria Monét were the poster couple for "private but not secret." They looked perfect. Between his fitness expertise and her meteoric rise to R&B royalty, they felt untouchable. Then came the 2024 Grammys, where they walked the red carpet with their daughter, Hazel, looking like a dream.
But looks are rarely the full story.
In late 2024, the couple dropped a bombshell that no one—not even the most dedicated stan—saw coming. They hadn't just broken up. They had been separated for nearly a year while the world was still liking their family photos. It’s a classic Hollywood pivot, but the way they handled it actually says a lot about why their dynamic still fascinates people today.
The Reality of the John Gaines and Victoria Monét Split
Honestly, the timeline is what trips most people up. When the joint statement hit social media in September 2024, it revealed that the pair had actually called it quits ten months prior. That means while Victoria was cleaning up at award shows and we were all humming "On My Mama," she was privately navigating a major life shift.
Why the secrecy? According to their statement, they wanted to protect their peace. They were "avoiding a formal statement about something as natural and personal as love." It makes sense. Imagine trying to heal from a three-year relationship while millions of people are asking "where's John?" in your comments every five minutes.
Shutting Down the "Origin Story" Rumors
One thing that gets missed in the headlines is their specific mention of "false accusations of our origin story." For a long time, corners of the internet (specifically places like Lipstick Alley) claimed there was overlap between John’s previous relationship and his start with Victoria.
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In their breakup post, they finally swung back. They were very clear:
- No infidelity.
- No toxic behavior.
- No drama.
Basically, they just outgrew each other. It’s a boring answer for gossip blogs, but it’s the most human one. They noted they both had "fundamental growing to do" that was better done apart.
Who Exactly is John Gaines?
If you only know him as "Victoria Monét’s ex," you’re missing the hustle. John Gaines isn't some random guy who got lucky; he’s a massive force in the fitness world. He’s the founder of Gains by Gaines, a fitness program and app that focuses on what he calls "Gains Mentality."
He was a multi-sport athlete for two decades. When the lights went out on his competitive career, he didn't just sit around. He used fitness to bridge that awkward gap between being a pro athlete and "real life." He’s also a model and a pretty big deal on TikTok, where he often shares those heart-melting videos with Hazel.
Meeting on the "Moment" Set
The spark actually started professionally. They met on the set of Victoria's "Moment" music video back in 2020. If you’ve seen the video, the chemistry isn't exactly hard to spot. They were sharing passionate kisses on camera before anyone knew they were a real-life item. By December of that same year, John was on Instagram announcing the pregnancy with a cinematic video.
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Co-Parenting a Grammy Nominee
The real star of this whole saga is Hazel Monét Gaines. Born in February 2021, she’s literally a record-breaker. At just two years old, she became the youngest Grammy nominee in history for her feature on the track "Hollywood."
Co-parenting in the spotlight is a nightmare, but John and Victoria seem to be cracking the code. In early 2025, they reunited to throw her a massive Wicked-themed 4th birthday party. Pink and green everywhere, ball pits—the whole nine yards. Seeing them together with Hazel at events like the Los Angeles Wicked premiere shows they weren't lying about being a "family regardless of our public-facing title."
Victoria has been vocal about the "Cirque du Soleil" act of balancing motherhood with a global tour. She’s credited John as a "great dad" who helps keep the family sane despite the split.
Life After the Relationship
So, where are they now?
Victoria is officially back on the market, though she’s joked about how hard dating is. In a 2025 interview, she laughed about needing to find a date on another planet because "we might be tainted here." She’s leaning heavily into her "On My Mama" era energy—focused, successful, and unbothered.
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John continues to build his fitness empire. His social media is a mix of high-intensity workouts and "girl dad" content. He’s managed to maintain his own brand identity without being swallowed by his ex’s massive shadow.
What We Can Learn From Them
Their story is a masterclass in "conscious uncoupling" before it became a cringe-worthy buzzword. They didn't wait for a cheating scandal to break them. They realized they were becoming different people and decided to protect their daughter’s environment over their romantic ego.
If you’re following their journey, here is what you should keep an eye on:
- New Music: Victoria’s recent lyrics in songs like "SOS" definitely hint at the emotional weight of the last two years.
- Fitness Launches: John is constantly updating his app, and his influence in the "fitness influencer" space is only growing.
- Hazel’s Career: With a "lengthy resume" already, don't be surprised if the 4-year-old ends up back on the charts soon.
Ultimately, John Gaines and Victoria Monét proved that a breakup doesn't have to be a failure. Sometimes, it’s just the necessary next step for two people who still "think the world of each other."
Actionable Insight for Fans:
If you want to stay updated on their co-parenting or career moves, follow John’s Gains by Gaines platform for fitness-related updates and Victoria’s official Lovett Music channels. Most importantly, respect the "peace and space" they asked for; their best work (and parenting) happens when the noise is turned down.