Channing Tatum recently shared a not-so-glamorous experience during a party in Mexico, where he spent an entire day in the bathroom after accidentally swallowing pool water. Tatum, along with his fiancée Zoë Kravitz, recounted the event while promoting their new psychological thriller Blink Twice in an interview with Buzzfeed. The film, which was shot in Mexico, marks Kravitz’s debut as a director and has already garnered comparisons to the popular thriller Get Out.
Kravitz, 35, humorously brought up the incident during the interview, recalling how Tatum and their co-star Simon Rex were playfully wrestling in the pool during a party. “Remember we had that party, Chan, and you and Simon were both wrestling in the pool, and then you guys swallowed pool water,” she said. She then reminded Tatum of what followed, adding, “But we were in Mexico. And you were puking.”
Tatum, now 44, nodded in agreement with a rather blank expression, admitting that it was a rough experience. “For 12 hours,” he stated, describing how he was stuck in the bathroom for half a day, unable to leave. He went on to explain that a doctor had to be called in to administer a shot to help alleviate his symptoms, adding with a bit of humor, “The doctor had to come and give me a shot in the butt to make it all okay.”
Kravitz, finding the humor in the situation, jokingly added, “It was a sick party,” laughing at the memory.
For those unfamiliar with Tatum’s ordeal, some might suggest he suffered from what is commonly known as “Montezuma’s Revenge.” The term refers to traveler’s diarrhea, which can be caused by consuming contaminated food or water in foreign countries. According to the University of Indiana, this condition results from ingesting food or water tainted with harmful bacteria or viruses. While the primary symptom is diarrhea, other symptoms can include cramps, bloating, nausea, vomiting, and even fever.
As Tatum and Kravitz were in Mexico at the time, it’s likely that the contaminated pool water may have caused his symptoms. The travel guide Fodor’s advises tourists in Mexico to avoid drinking tap water or consuming ice made from it, as even locals steer clear of tap water. Instead, many Mexicans rely on bottled water—reportedly, around 80% of the population drinks bottled water regularly.
Though Tatum didn’t reveal exactly what was in the “shot in the butt” he received from the doctor, it’s common for injections to be used to treat symptoms like nausea and vomiting. According to the Mayo Clinic, medications administered via injection can be effective in quickly addressing these symptoms, which would explain Tatum’s eventual recovery after receiving the treatment. In more severe cases of traveler’s diarrhea, where symptoms include fever or blood in the stool, antibiotics may also be prescribed to help combat the infection.
Tatum’s incident with Montezuma’s Revenge adds a comical twist to the filming experience of Blink Twice. The film, a psychological thriller, is Kravitz’s first venture as a director, and the couple’s promotional tour for the movie has led to several light-hearted and candid moments like this one. Tatum’s easygoing demeanor and willingness to poke fun at himself, even in embarrassing situations, only adds to his charm.
Meanwhile, Blink Twice has been creating buzz not only for its intense storyline but also for the collaborative energy on set. Co-star Simon Rex praised Tatum and Kravitz for their grounded approach, stating in an exclusive interview that there were “no egos” on set. Rex described the pair as “very cool people,” and the seamless teamwork contributed to the film’s success.
Despite the humorous nature of Tatum’s pool party incident, it serves as a reminder for travelers to be cautious about the water they consume while abroad. Whether it’s avoiding tap water or taking preventive measures to stay healthy, being mindful of potential contamination can help avoid unpleasant situations like the one Tatum experienced.
In the end, while Tatum might have endured a rough day in Mexico, his lighthearted recounting of the event with Kravitz turned it into an amusing story. As their professional and personal lives continue to intertwine, their partnership—both on and off the screen—shows no signs of slowing down.
