Samuel L. Jackson and his wife, LaTanya Richardson Jackson, allegedly had an argument at the Theatre Communications Group Gala in Midtown, New York on January 9.

According to PageSix, the Pulp Fiction actor and his director wife’s argument was so bad that the insider speculated that Samuel left the event early after the press room fight.

The referenced insider told the outlet, “They apparently were in a fight when they arrived. They posed for pictures together, and then the fight went on.”

The anonymous source continued to explain that Samuel walked out before the pair were given their award for their work in the theater industry. “LaTanya accepted solo.”

LaTanya explained while accepting the award that Samuel left because of concerns about COVID-19. The reason for his departure was later corroborated by a gala representative afterward. 

“As the top-billed star of ‘The Piano Lesson,’ Mr. Jackson is extraordinarily cautious about the risk of putting the production in jeopardy by exposing himself to COVID-19. Ms. Jackson accepted on behalf of both. She and her husband simply to minimize his risk of exposure. Mr. Jackson had only ever planned on doing photos and then leaving, as everyone involved with planning the event knew in advance.”

 “It was a magical evening, and they helped raise a record haul of more than $300,000 to support TCG’s mission of creating a more just and equitable theater ecology.”

The couple was honored most recently for their upcoming joint project where LaTanya is working as the director for August Wilson’s The Piano Lesson for Broadway and Samuel starring in an important role. The Jacksons have been married for 42 years. 

The Jacksons have worked together on other projects in their successful careers and once told

PEOPLE the secret to staying close as romantic partners and careerwise.

“I’m amazed at how busy we are in our seventh decade. I’m grateful because I think of all the things that could be. [A successful marriage is simple] It’s two people who respect each other, love each other and look out for each other.”