Madison Pettis Calls Ex Michael Porter Jr. a 'Psychopath'

The actress opened up about her past relationship with the NBA player and why she broke up with him.

Mar. 14, 2026 at 1:06am

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Actress Madison Pettis revealed on a podcast that she broke up with her ex-boyfriend, NBA player Michael Porter Jr., because she felt he was a "psychopath." Pettis, who dated Porter from 2016 to 2017 when he was still in high school and college, said she wouldn't rule out dating another athlete but believes many "are not great partners."

Why it matters

Pettis' comments shed light on the challenges of dating high-profile athletes and the potential red flags that can arise in those relationships. Her remarks also come amid Porter's own controversial dating comments, in which he said he would have women he dates listen to the views of polarizing podcaster Andrew Tate.

The details

Pettis, 27, appeared on the 'In Your Dreams With Owen Thiele' podcast and discussed her past relationship with Porter, 27. She said she broke up with him before he was drafted by the Denver Nuggets in 2018 because she felt he was a "psychopath." Pettis, who is best known for her work on the Disney Channel, said she is a fan of basketball but wouldn't "rule out" dating another athlete despite believing "a lot of athletes are not great partners."

  • Pettis and Porter dated from 2016 to 2017.
  • Porter was drafted by the Denver Nuggets in 2018.
  • Porter won his first NBA championship with the Nuggets in 2023.
  • Porter was traded to the Brooklyn Nets in 2025.

The players

Madison Pettis

A 27-year-old actress best known for her work on the Disney Channel.

Michael Porter Jr.

A 27-year-old NBA player who was drafted by the Denver Nuggets in 2018 and later traded to the Brooklyn Nets in 2025.

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What they’re saying

“I broke up with him before he was in the league because he was a psychopath.”

— Madison Pettis (In Your Dreams With Owen Thiele* podcast)

“I feel like if you dated like publicly, like a player, it would be hard just because of … it would be tough dating someone's old girl and they just always have that over you. It could be like an ego thing or like I don't know … I'm open to change, I'm not stuck in my ways.”

— Michael Porter Jr. (Curious Mike* podcast)

The takeaway

Pettis' comments highlight the potential pitfalls of dating high-profile athletes, with concerns about their behavior and egos. Her remarks come as Porter has also made controversial comments about his dating preferences, raising further questions about the dynamics in these types of relationships.