Here’s what 7 women have shared about ending relationships once their partners became extremely famous
Model Gigi Paris split from Glen Powell after three years together, during which his fame soared due to rumors linking him to co-star Sydney Sweeney. Gigi explained that Glen agreed to enhance his profile with publicity stunts, despite her discomfort. “It was just, ‘This is what I have to do for my job.’ I had two options. I could pretend to go along or stand up for myself,” she said. “All I wanted was respect, especially if it’s public. Just don’t make a fool out of me after over three years.” Gigi added, “What sucked was how it was handled. I felt like I was just fed to the dogs.” [https://www.buzzfeed.com/noradominick/actors-afraid-while-filming-scenes]
Before dating Ariana Grande, Ethan Slater was married to high school sweetheart Lily Jay, a psychologist. After their divorce, she wrote an essay for The Cut, revealing her shock: “I really never thought I would get divorced, especially after my first child, or in the shadow of his new relationship with a celebrity. I deeply miss the privacy I once had.” She also highlighted the struggle of balancing her career’s need for discretion with her husband’s rising fame, saying, “Days when I can’t escape the promotion of a movie connected to my saddest days are darker.” [https://www.thecut.com/article/lilly-jay-divorce-essay-therapy.html]
Chelsea Winstanley, a successful Māori film producer, faced relationship turmoil as her ex-husband Taika Waititi’s fame in Hollywood grew. She shared that she refused to become “the dutiful wife” relocating for his projects, which she sees as part of the unraveling—possibly linked to infidelity. “I didn’t want to sit in Australia, just waiting,” she revealed in 2024, hinting at a deeper story. “Someone else was, though.” [https://www.buzzfeed.com/natashajokic1/taika-waititis-chelsea-winstanley-interview]
Many speculate that Chris Pratt’s rapid rise to stardom contributed to his split from Anna Faris in 2017. In her memoir, she expressed the emotional toll: “It’s hard not to have self-doubt when your husband acts with young women in big movies, while I’m playing a role in Mom that’s, frankly, unsexy.” She also noted their conversation about the pressures of being in high-profile relationships, acknowledging mutual discomfort. [https://www.thecut.com/2017/10/anna-fariss-memoir-is-haunted-by-the-ghost-of-her-breakup.html]
Author Justine Musk recounted her relationship with Elon Musk, whom she met as a student. As his career skyrocketed, she reflected on the economic and emotional imbalance: “Elon’s judgment often found me lacking,” she wrote. “He would say, ‘I am your wife,’ and he’d reply, ‘If you were my employee, I’d fire you.’” After their divorce, Elon quickly got engaged to Talulah Riley, six weeks later. [https://www.marieclaire.com/sex-love/a5380/millionaire-starter-wife/]
Cynthia Lennon’s marriage to John Lennon was marked by early fame and turmoil. She gave birth during Beatlemania but faced rejection: security officials told her to “stay away,” even blocking her hotel entry. Her memoir reveals that John’s affairs and infidelity strained their relationship; she later admitted she would have avoided falling for him if she’d known what it would lead to. [https://people.com/john-lennon-son-julian-says-hes-never-been-part-of-beatles-inner-circle-8769405]
Tom Cruise’s first marriage was to Mimi Rogers before his “Top Gun” era. She acknowledged that she was okay being less famous. “I was doing what I wanted, and if I didn’t have Tom’s success, that’s just luck,” she said. However, she pointed out the age gap and tabloid obsession as the less enjoyable aspects of their relationship. “They kept exaggerating my age, and if we’d stayed married, they’d probably think I was in my sixties by now.” [https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/story/tom-cruise-first-marriage-mimi-rogers]
Are there other high-profile breakups driven by fame? Share your thoughts in the comments!
