Minnesota Timberwolves star Rudy Gobert addressed “a lot of inaccurate information” about his relationship with Julia Bonilla.
“Julia and I are currently in the painful process of redefining our coparenting relationship,” Gobert, 32, wrote in an Instagram Story statement on Friday, May 16. “Being a father is one of the most profound and meaningful experiences I will get to live. It is one of my most important life purposes and will be so forever.”
He continued, “I’m fully committed to keep supporting the well-being of all the people that I care about. I’m asking everyone to please refrain from speculation and respect our privacy in these difficult times.”
News broke several hours earlier that Gobert and Bonilla, who TMZ reported is pregnant with their second baby, broke up. According to the outlet, Gobert allegedly requested that Bonilla and eldest son Romeo, 12 months, vacate his house at the start of the NBA playoffs. (Bonilla and the toddler were last spotted at Gobert’s April 13 Timberwolves game.)
It is currently unknown why Gobert and Bonilla ended their relationship, though she denied “ever” being unfaithful.
“I’m going through one of the most painful times in my life, feeling isolated, far from my family and friends,” Bonilla, who has not publicly announced her pregnancy, wrote in a since-expired Instagram Story message, per social media screenshots. “I considered Rudy the love of my life. I left everything for him. I gave him a child and poured my heart into our relationship.”
She added, “When everyone criticized him and insulted him, I stood by him, always putting him first and choosing him, always. Despite how I have been treated, I choose to protect his name for the sake of my children. I have NEVER EVER been unfaithful to the father of my children.”
Bonilla further stressed that as a mother, she “must prioritize [her] health and well-being.”
“Thank you for respecting my privacy during this challenging time,” she concluded.
Gobert has previously been candid about making his family a top priority, even missing a May 2024 NBA game when Bonilla gave birth.
“It has been clear for me from the beginning, I would do anything I can to be there,” he said in a March 2024 press conference. “I don’t think there’s any debate to have. That’s what I love about [my teammates]. We have a level of human connection and empathy for one another that I think is really good. All the guys will be literally telling me, ‘Don’t play. Go.’”
At the time, Gobert further referred to his impending parenthood as “a blessing” and “something that [he’s] always wanted” in life.
