Another reality TV showmance bites the dust.
"The Challenge" star Cory Wharton and Taylor Selfridge have broken up after nine years, the pair announced in separate statements shared on social media Thursday, Oct. 8.
The pair, who met on Season 1 of MTV's "Ex on the Beach," will coparent their two daughters though they are not splitting on the best of terms.
"Yes I left. I was sick of not getting basic respect from the person I was with for 9 years and the father of my twochildren. I’m sure everyone could tell the last few years," Selfridge wrote in her statement shared on her Instagram Story. "I deserve more than that and I’ll get it. End of story."
Wharton shared a more positive statement on his Instagram Story, looking ahead at a new chapter with
"Just me and my girls. ❤️"
"Taylor and I have decided to go our separate ways, as hard as that is to say publicly, I think it’s important to be honest about where my life is at this moment. We shared a lot of years, memories, love, and most importantly, we have two beautiful daughters," he wrote.
Cory Wharton says 'I could’ve been better'
Wharton also apologized to Selfridge in his statement, writing "I’m sorry, Taylor, that things didn’t work out the way we both hoped they would. I know there were times I could’ve been better, and I’m sorry for the ways I let you down."
"But one thing that will never change is the kind of father I want to be. These three girls are my entire world 🌎, & entering this new chapter It only makes me want to show up for them even more. I want my girls to always know that regardless of what changes in life, Dad isn’t going anywhere. Always PRESENT!!!" he added. "This chapter is about them, but it’s also about me doing the work that I need on myself – learning from my mistakes, growing, healing, and becoming the best version of myself I can be."
He said that being a "Girl Dad" is what he was put on Earth to do and said he is "scared & nervous as hell" for what's to come but "I guess those are all natural emotions though."
"Just wanted to say thank you to all my family & my boys for being there with me through everything. I’m gonna need my village more now than ever before. I appreciate y’all," he continued. "Love y’all! New Chapter: Same Dad. ❤️"
The pair, who confirmed their relationship in 2019, share daughters: Mila, 6, and Maya, 4. Wharton is also father to daughter Ryder, 9, who he shares with ex Cheyenne Floyd.
Relationship faced public turmoil after 'The Challenge' Season 42
Tension between the couple became clear to the public after Season 42 of "The Challenge" showed Wharton flirting with fellow competitor Izzy Fairthorne, according to People.
During the season, the 12-time contestant opened up about struggles in his relationship with Selfridge, saying "Back home hasn’t been great," and admitted he was attracted to Fairthorne, per People.
"Izzy is very attractive. I’m sure you guys can see it. I can see it. Anybody with two eyes can see it," he said in a confessional. "To come on this show and to have that magnet with somebody, it feels good."
Once the episode aired, he apologized for flirting with Fairthorne and shared he had also apologized to Selfridge privately.
"So I just wanna say this quick, I’ve apologized to the person who needed to hear it the most," he wrote on X on Sept. 3. "I’m gonna continue to handle things behind closed doors. It’s been a very long time since I haven’t been proud of who I see on camera, and this is one of those times."
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Cory Wharton, Taylor Selfridge split after 9 years. 'I could’ve been better'
