Tina Turner and Ike Turner were a power couple in the past century. Many adored them for their relationship as they constantly performed together on stage and collaborate on songs.
However, little did the public know that there is something tragic happening to the female singer behind closed doors.
Let's deep dive into the ex-couple's dark and abusive relationship below.
TRIGGER WARNING: This article contains topics about abuse, domestic violence, and suicide
Tina Turner, Ike Turner's Early Days
According to Fox News, the pair already knew each other since they were young. Tina reportedly met her then-future-husband while she was only 16 years old and was studying high school.
At the time, Ike was the head of the band, Kings of Rhythm, which is popularly known for their song, "Rocket 88."
For the first three years, they became friends, but they started having a relationship despite the male singer having a live-in partner named Lorraine Taylor.
Tina Turner, Ike Turner's Abusive Relationship
Tina didn't want to continue their secret romance anymore, but when she expressed her true feelings, Ike reportedly hit her in the head.
It was the first time she experienced that feeling, leading her to stay in the relationship as she felt an "instilled fear."
The "Proud Mary" songstress got pregnant with their son Ronnie and she married Ike in 1962.
READ ALSO: Tina Turner Cause of Death Tragic: Queen of Rock 'N' Roll Dead at 83
In her own words written in her memoir "My Love Story," the singer said she was unsure of marrying the musician but she "didn't have much choice" because they already have a blended family by the time he proposed to her.
After tying the knot, he reportedly took her to a "pornographic sex show" immediately after the ceremony. (via Today)
Through the years, Tina suffered from abuse and she felt "miserable" the whole time. Although she wanted to be free, the singer said there was no escape.
In other instances, the musician detailed that her then-husband would throw coffee in her face which resulted in a third-degree burn.
There was also a time when he used her as a "punching bag so many times that I could taste blood running down my throat" whenever she performs.
The abuse was so bad to the point that Tina considered taking her life by taking 50 pills before performing on stage.
She later woke up and felt unhappy, but she felt that it was a sign for her to survive.
The pair were married for more than a decade until she filed for divorce in 1976, stating irreconcilable differences. The legal separation was finalized two years later.
READ MORE: Tina Turner Music Catalog Sold for MILLIONS of Dollars Before Death
