Former NBA star Matt Barnes and model Anansa Sims are making headlines once again as their split continues to play out publicly — this time, with both sides speaking out about what went wrong.

Back in January, the couple’s relationship came under intense scrutiny after Sims accused Barnes of infidelity, claiming he had been involved with eight different women during that month alone.

This week, Barnes appeared to acknowledge his role in the breakdown of their relationship during a conversation on his podcast, ALL THE SMOKE with Matt Barnes & Stephen Jackson

Reflecting on his shortcomings, he admitted, “I literally lost my family by being exactly what you talked about. Like, I was the strong provider, but I wasn’t there emotionally. I wasn’t empathetic. I wasn’t willing to share those emotions. That was stuff that my ex would tell me: “I don’t… you’re a wall.”

Sims, in turn, took to Instagram to express her feelings, urging Barnes to share the full story if he chooses to speak publicly about their personal matters.

“If you’re going to talk publicly about our personal business, tell the whole Story. Don’t post half truths about me and our past relationship to gain sympathy from the masses. I’m in the trenches doing the hard work making sure all of our kids are ok. You’ve made no effort to emotionally support all of our children through this traumatic transition you caused, but you’re willing to be “vulnerable” for strangers on the gram for profit?”

Anansa Sims also stressed the impact their public breakup has had on their kids and asked Barnes to stop mentioning her publicly. She ended by encouraging him to seek therapy and reconnect with his faith.

“Please keep my name out of your mouth. Since I left, I’ve said nothing about you and you know there’s so much I could say about the man you truly were to me. If you don’t have respect for yourself or for me, at least have respect for our children who follow you and see your posts. Your post is triggering for the kids and I, while we’re in the midst of healing and rebuilding our lives. We’re the ones who reaped all the damage you caused by your constant selfish, toxic choices. You didn’t consider our kids in your actions before, please try to consider them now. If you want to do some good, please don’t speak about me, go get consistent therapy and most importantly start building a relationship with God.”

Barnes and Sims, who share two children together, were engaged since December 2022 after dating on and off for five years. Their blended family also includes Barnes’ children from previous relationships, notably with Gloria Govan, and Sims’ children from her past. ​