Pasha Petkuns, husband of adult film star Riley Reid, has candidly shared his true feelings about his wife’s career in the adult entertainment industry and how their relationship has faced public scrutiny. His openness sheds light on the complexities of marriage, acceptance, and overcoming societal judgment.
Marriage often involves navigating aspects of a partner’s life that others may struggle to understand or accept. For Petkuns, a professional free runner from Latvia, marrying someone with a career as public and stigmatized as Reid’s posed its challenges, but he’s shown remarkable support and maturity in handling the situation.
The couple tied the knot in 2021 and welcomed a child the following year, solidifying their bond despite outside criticism. During an appearance on No Jumper Clips with Adam22, an adult content creator and Reid’s collaborator, Petkuns addressed the assumptions and public judgments he faces as the husband of a well-known figure in the adult industry.
Reid, a prominent figure in the adult film world, has long been in the public eye, which brings additional layers of scrutiny to their relationship. Many were curious how her husband reconciled her career with their marriage, prompting Petkuns to speak out publicly.
Initially, Petkuns admitted feeling conflicted when he first confronted the reality of his wife’s profession. He shared that his early thoughts were filled with uncertainty, explaining, “At first, it was like, ‘Oh, like, is it normal? Not normal?’” However, a conversation with a friend became a pivotal moment in helping him gain perspective.
His friend offered straightforward yet profound advice: “No matter what you’re gonna do, people [are] gonna tell you you’re stupid.” This blunt wisdom helped Petkuns realize that societal judgment is inevitable, regardless of his choices. It allowed him to shift his focus from public opinion to personal happiness and acceptance.
Further elaborating, Petkuns emphasized that his family, particularly his mother, has been incredibly supportive of his relationship. He described them as laid-back and nonjudgmental, with their primary concern being his happiness rather than the public perception of his wife’s career. His mother, in particular, expressed no concerns, focusing only on whether her son was in a loving and fulfilling relationship.
Petkuns even lightheartedly compared the scrutiny they face to more extreme situations, remarking, “It’s not like my wife has killed anyone,” emphasizing how disproportionate the criticism can feel when considering the nature of her career versus genuinely harmful actions.
When podcast host Adam22 inquired whether Reid still actively works in the adult industry, Petkuns clarified that she had stepped away from mainstream adult films before their relationship began. Now, Reid primarily focuses on creating content for her OnlyFans platform, collaborating exclusively with female partners.
This shift in her professional focus has helped the couple navigate their relationship with more clarity, as Reid continues her career in a way that aligns with their shared boundaries. Petkuns emphasized that their dynamic works for them, and the couple maintains open communication about her content creation, minimizing personal conflicts regarding her work.
While Petkuns remains largely unbothered by external criticism, he did acknowledge that not all his friends were as accepting. He revealed that two of his male friends had distanced themselves from him after learning about his marriage to Reid, even going as far as unfollowing him on social media. However, he was quick to clarify that this negative response was limited, stating that most of his social circle has been supportive and respectful toward their relationship.
The conversation also touched on a topic of growing concern for the couple: how Reid’s career might impact their child in the future. On a separate episode of Adam22’s podcast, Reid openly discussed the long-term implications of her career choices and the possibility of judgment affecting their child as they grow older.
Reid expressed her awareness of this challenge, stating, “It’s definitely a real fact that my career will affect my kid at some point in some degree, and it is up to me as a parent to try and coach it in the most appropriate manner possible.” Her words highlight the proactive approach she and Petkuns are taking, acknowledging potential challenges while committing to honest conversations with their child when the time comes.
The couple’s transparency about their relationship dynamic has sparked mixed reactions online. Some have praised their honesty and commitment to open communication, while others have continued to question whether such a relationship can thrive long-term. However, both Petkuns and Reid seem unfazed by the noise, focusing instead on their family life and emotional connection.
Ultimately, their story underscores a powerful message about the importance of non-judgment, personal growth, and the strength that comes from mutual respect and understanding within a relationship. By sharing their experience publicly, Petkuns and Reid challenge outdated notions about relationships, sexuality, and personal fulfillment, demonstrating that love and respect can transcend societal norms and expectations.