Jessie J has spoken out about receiving Channing Tatum’s approval before including a reference to his 2012 film Magic Mike in her latest music. The British singer, whose new album features songs with personal lyrics, described how Tatum responded to the mention, highlighting her consideration for the Channing Tatum song reference reaction and the impact of their past relationship on her work.
Tatum’s Response to Magic Mike Mention in “Complicated”
When preparing to release her sixth album, Don’t Tease Me with a Good Time, Jessie J checked with her former partner Channing Tatum before referencing Magic Mike on the song “Complicated.” According to Jessie,
“I played him the song to see if he’s OK with it and he was,”
Jessie, 37, told The Guardian in a Saturday, November 29, profile when asked about referring to Tatum’s 2012 dance movie on her Complicated track. The lyric directly nods to Tatum’s famous dance role and to the attention their relationship received from the public eye.
“2017 went by ’cause I wanted / 2018 to be mine and be honest,”
Jessie sings in the track.
“Met a Magic Mike, will that ever be forgotten? ‘Cause everything they write / That’s the headline and the topic.”
The Public Spotlight on Jessie J and Channing Tatum’s Relationship
Jessie J and Tatum, now 45, dated from 2018 to 2019 after Tatum’s divorce from Jenna Dewan, with whom he shares a daughter, Everly. The pair’s relationship drew significant media coverage, something Jessie found overwhelming at times.
“It did get frustrating. It felt that everything I read about myself was about him,”
the British singer recalled to The Guardian about their then-relationship, going on to reveal where they currently stand. She also expressed lingering respect and warmth for Tatum, stating,
“Oh, he’s so sweet. Oh my God, yeah! Channing is such a sweet guy.”
Jessie reflected on their time together, noting,
“We were such good friends and had such a good time together.”
Their bond, according to her, was rooted as much in friendship as in romance, and this dynamic influenced the music and lyrics on her new record.
More Possible Tatum References and Fan Reactions
Fans have speculated about additional nods to Tatum throughout Don’t Tease Me with a Good Time, especially on the track “Throw It Away.” Jessie sings,
“Karma gonna come one day, yeah, ‘Cause I gave you my love,”
and continues,
“You threw it away … Don’t you dare rewrite the story / I’m the beauty, you’re the beast / You can take your — and go now / Have a good time in these streets.”
These lines fueled fan theories about Tatum being the “beast” referenced, but Jessie addressed such interpretations with a sense of humor during her Guardian interview, describing the theories as “funny.”
Clarifying the Inspiration Behind Her Lyrics
Jessie acknowledged that while some lyrics may be partially inspired by her time with Tatum, the stories in her songs are far from limited to him.
“Yeah, I reckon there’s probably a little bit of that in there,”
Jessie acknowledged. She elaborated on her experiences dating in Los Angeles, explaining,
“But, it wasn’t just about him. I dated a lot of people when I was in L.A. and there were lots of men who were, like, ‘Yeah, ride on my motorbike and I’ll show you around,’ and then they just drop you off. That’s the negative of L.A.”
Life Changes, Family, and Relocating to England
Jessie J lived in California for a decade before moving back to England in 2024. Her decision was driven by a desire to be closer to family and to raise her child in a supportive environment.
“It was a really selfish, amazing life I had, but it wasn’t the kind of life I could maintain with a child and a partner,”
she recalled. After the birth of her son Sky, whom she shares with basketball player Chanan Colman, Jessie wanted to provide a stable home life closer to her roots and her partner’s family in Denmark.
“When I had [my son] Sky, I thought I didn’t want to raise my son away from his immediate family. And my partner’s Danish, so we wanted to be closer to Denmark, too.”
Her new perspective emerged from a turning point:
“I just felt the new chapter was going to be here,”
Jessie told the newspaper of leaving Los Angeles in 2024. She added,
“It was the day that [President Donald] Trump got elected that I left. It was the day we planned to leave, so it felt aligned. So many of my friends are struggling mentally with America right now. … It’s the polar opposite of what I believe in, which is equality and love and everybody having the freedom to enjoy the life they want to.”
Current Relationships and Future Direction
Jessie J is now in a stable relationship with Chanan Colman and focuses on motherhood as well as her music career. Channing Tatum, meanwhile, is reportedly dating model Inka Williams, signaling that both artists have moved forward since their breakup. The album Don’t Tease Me with a Good Time features lyrics shaped by these personal transitions, exploring themes of change, reflection, and growth.
Significance of Honest Storytelling in Jessie J’s Music
By openly discussing her life changes and the Channing Tatum song reference reaction, Jessie J has reaffirmed her commitment to honest storytelling in her music. The singer’s willingness to address public speculation and share insight into her creative process offers fans a deeper connection to her artistic journey. As listeners interpret lyrics and speculate about her inspirations, Jessie J’s narrative remains rooted in real experiences from her time in England, Los Angeles, and Denmark, as well as her relationships with people like Channing Tatum, Chanan Colman, and her close family members.
With Don’t Tease Me with a Good Time now released, Jessie J continues to shape her career with lyrical authenticity, using both reflection and humor to navigate fame, relationships, and new motherhood.
