Last year, news about Sofia Vergara and Joe Manganiello’s divorce, and Joe Jonas and Sophie Turner’s separation was all over the internet. These couples were considered the epitomes of Hollywood celebrity couples, but sadly, they separated.
Actress Natalie Portman’s marriage to Benjamin Millepied seemed to be going strong, but in a shocking turn of events, the couple has officially been divorced for almost a month after reports of her husband’s infidelity circulated on the internet last year. Portman has never been one to publicly speak about her personal life so this news came as a surprise to many.
Natalie Portman Divorced Her Husband of Eleven Years
Natalie Portman met her former husband and choreographer Benjamin Millepied on the set of what is considered one of her greatest performances, Black Swan (2010). The couple started dating quickly and got married in 2012.
According to PEOPLE, the Academy Award winner secretly filed for divorce eight months ago and it was finalized last month in France, where they have been residing with their two children. Portman had even expressed her desire to become a French citizen at some point.
The former couple has always kept their relationship notoriously private. And so was their separation. But they always seemed to be going strong. Portman moved to France when Millepied accepted the position of Director of Dance at Paris Opera Ballet and the Dune: Part Two choreographer has always been there for Portman. They made a beautiful pair on the rare red carpet appearances they made together.
Neither of the former spouses has commented on the divorce. But it has certainly been hard for both of them. It was earlier reported that Millepied was trying his best to salvage his marriage but to no avail. Portman, too, has had a hard time going through this. As a friend of the former couple told PEOPLE:
“Natalie is coming out of a really tough and painful year but she’s come out the other side of it stronger and is finding joy in her family, friends and work.”
Marriage coming to an end does not get any easier when one is a movie star. Perhaps it is worse when one is a movie star as it means public scrutiny of their every move.
Benjamin Millepied Reportedly Had an Extramarital Affair Last Year
Benjamin Millepied and Natalie Portman’s marriage was in troubled waters last year according to a French outlet named Voici which claimed that Millepied had an extramarital affair. It was in May 2023, when the rumors of Millepied’s extramarital affair surfaced. At the time, a source told PEOPLE:
“He knows he made an enormous mistake and he is doing all he can to get Natalie to forgive him and keep their family together. Natalie is incredibly private and has no intention of playing this out in the media. Her biggest priority is protecting her children and their privacy.”
Although the Thor: Love and Thunder star has now separated from her husband of ten years, she reportedly tried to forgive him. Portman and Millepied have had two children in the eleven years of their marriage. A son Aleph, 12, and a daughter Amalia, 7. Sources close to the former couple reveal that their main focus now is to make the transition easier for their kids. The source told PEOPLE:
“She and Ben really love their kids and are equally focused on being the best co-parents they can be. Nothing is more important.”
Portman has always been fiercely protective of her personal life. And this time won’t be any different.
