Tarek El Moussa and Christina El Moussa's marriage was skating on thin ice long before their separation announcement, E! News has learned.
An insider tell us the former couple behind HGTV's Flip or Flop, whose offscreen turmoil came to light Monday morning, spent a "few months" fielding rumors that their seven-year relationship was falling apart.
Tarek and Christina, who share two children ages 6-years-old and 15 months, constantly fought and bickered on set, the source reveals to E! News. Additionally, the two had to be kept apart during filming breaks, and when the El Moussas refused to speak to each other off camera, messages were relayed by others on their behalf.
Despite obvious contention between Tarek and Christina, the exes told E! News in a statement, "During the [separation] process, we are committed to our kids and being the best parents we can be. We will continue to work through this process civilly and cooperatively, and plan to continue our professional life together."
The home improvement gurus' statement comes directly after an incident involving Tarek and Christina, as well as law enforcement, surfaced. In an incident report obtained by E! News, police were called to their Orange County home six months ago after a call was placed about a "possibly suicidal male with a gun." Authorities found Tarek, who'd fled the house with a firearm, on a "hike." El Moussas claimed he wanted to "blow off some steam," and took the gun with him for protection against wildlife in the region.
Tarek relinquished said firearm, and four more guns found in their home, to police.
When questioned about the altercation, the incident report states Christina told authorities, "Tarek did not make any threatening statements to her and he did not make any comments about hurting himself or anyone else. She also denied that Tarek had ever been suicidal."
As for the future of Flip or Flop, the network told E! News in part, "HGTV is currently airing episodes of Flip or Flop and the series will continue production as scheduled."