Joe Manganiello is sharing his side of the story when it comes to his divorce from Sofía Vergara.
While the Modern Family actress claimed the couple split in 2023 after seven years of marriage because Joe wanted children and she did not, the True Blood star said the narrative was "simply not true."
"We did try to have a family for the first year and a half," Joe explained to Men's Journal in an interview published July 16. "And we had a huge conversation right out of the gate during the first month we dated. I said, 'If you're done with kids, then I understand. Just tell me, and I'll know what this is, and that's okay.'"
The 47-year-old added, "And I swore to her that I would never leave if it didn't work out. And I didn't."
According to Joe—who recently debuted his romance with Caitlin O'Connor—the real reason the couple split actually boiled down to the fact that "two people grew apart, and sometimes that happens."
"To be painted as if I had some sort of midlife crisis," he continued, "and after nine years, turned to somebody and gave them an ultimatum of, 'Do this potentially unhealthy thing to your body, or else I'm gone'? That's never who I was."
However, Sofía—who is currently dating orthopedic surgeon Justin Saliman—previously shared that kids were a dealbreaker when discussing her divorce.
"My marriage broke up because my husband was younger; he wanted to have kids and I didn't want to be an old mom," the 52-year-old told Spanish newspaper El País in January. "I feel it's not fair to the baby. I respect whoever does it, but that's not for me anymore."
Sofía explained that after giving birth to son Manolo, 32—who she shares with ex-husband Joe Gonzalez—when she was 19, she now feels more ready to be a grandmother that try her hand at being a mom again.
"When my son becomes a dad, let him bring the baby to me for a while and then I'll give it back to him and go on with my life," she said. "That's what I have to do."
Keep reading to revisit Joe and Sofía's romance history.
Oscar-Worthy Date Night
The A-list couple stun at the 2023 Vanity Fair Oscars Party in Beverly Hills on March 12.
Ciao Bella
Vergara and Manganiello enjoy a romantic getaway to Italy in the summer of 2022.
La Dolce Vita
The two tour the stunning Italian countryside.
On-Set Support
Vergara gets support from her hubby and son on set during the final day of filming Modern Family in 2020.
The Look of Love
The duo celebrate Valentine's Day 2020 with a sizzling Instagram pic.
Red Carpet Royalty
Manganiello and Vergara attend the 77th Annual Golden Globe Awards in L.A. in January 2020.
2020 Vision
The duo celebrate New Year's Eve on Dec. 31, 2019.
Birthday Babe
The True Blood alum holds his lady tight while celebrating her 47th birthday in July 2019.
I Heart You
The couple shares an adorable photo while celebrating Valentine's Day 2019.
Hangin' in Hawaii
Vergara presents her other half with The Shooting Star award during the 2019 Maui Film Festival in June 2019 in Wailea, Hawaii.
Trick or Treat?
The famous couple got spooky with Sofia Vergara's son Manolo for Halloween 2018.
Forever Dinner Date
The duo got all dressed up for a night on the town.
Love Like This
We just want to find someone that looks at us like these two look at each other.
Happily Ever After
It's a love story, we're so glad they said YES!
Pretty in Paradise
The couple enjoyed a much needed vacay together.
Crazy in Love
Their love for each other is undeniable!
They Shine Bright Like a Diamond
It's no secret that this Hollywood couple shines in everything they do, especially together.
JOEchella
Sofia Vergara threw her husband the ultimate Coachella-themed 40th Birthday Bash.
You Fancy, Huh?
They are the definition of color-coordinated couple goals.
Perfect for Each Other
According to a source, "They work out together, watch football together, go out to eat and to movies."
Lighting Up Each Other's World
Whether it is the 4th of July or New Years Eve, this happy couple is celebrating together.
Getting Some Vitamin Sea
Not sure what we love more: This beautiful couple or the stunning view behind them.
Love on Top
"Joe makes Sofia feel like she is the most important woman in the world," says our E! insider.
Cutest Couple on the Carpet
Why Netflix & chill when you can get dressed up and attend the Solo: A Star Wars Movie premiere together?
Happiest Together
"I've never seen two people so truly in love. The way they talk to each other, touch each other—it's incredible," said a friend of the couple.
Presenting Mr. and Mrs. Manganiello
Sofia Vergara and Joe Manganiello said "I do" on November 21, 2015.
Kisses for the Mrs.
According to a friend of the couple, "She thinks he's gorgeous and sexy and she can't get enough of him. He is the nicest guy in the world and treats her like a queen. He's everything."
He Put a Ring On It
Joe Manganiello popped the question to Sofia Vergara on December 25, 2014.
Red Carpet Official
Joe Manganiello and Sofia Vergara made their official red carpet debut as a couple at the Star Wars: The Force Awakens world premiere.
Spotted!
The power couple was first confirmed to be dating in July 2014.