Here’s what 7 women have shared about breaking up with their partners once they became super famous
Model Gigi Paris split from Glen Powell after three years, amid rising rumors due to his new dating rumors with Sydney Sweeney. Gigi revealed that Glen agreed to lean into publicity stunts involving the media, despite her discomfort. “It was just, ‘This is what I have to do for my job,’” she said. She expressed her longing for respect: “Just don’t make a fool out of someone you’ve been with for over three years, talking about forever.” Ultimately, she decided to walk away, feeling she was “fed to the dogs” in how her relationship was handled. [https://www.buzzfeed.com/noradominick/actors-afraid-while-filming-scenes]
Similarly, Ethan Slater ended his marriage with high school sweetheart Lily Jay after his role in Wicked made him a celebrity, and he dated Ariana Grande. Lily wrote an emotional essay for The Cut, sharing her pain: “I really never thought I would get divorced, especially after giving birth to my first child—especially in the shadow of my husband’s new celebrity relationship.” She reflected on the balance between her privacy as a psychologist and Ethan’s fame, calling the experience “a season of shock and mourning.” [https://www.thecut.com/article/lilly-jay-divorce-essay-therapy.html]
Chelsea Winstanley, a successful Māori film producer, detailed her breakup with Taika Waititi as his star power skyrocketed with Marvel projects. She explained she didn’t want to be the “dutiful wife” waiting in Australia while he worked in Hollywood, hinting at infidelity she later learned about. “That probably was the beginning of the unraveling,” she told BuzzFeed, implying that her husband’s fame created a rift in their relationship. [https://www.buzzfeed.com/natashajokic1/taika-waititis-chelsea-winstanley-interview]
Chris Pratt’s rise to mega-stardom was also linked to his split from actress Anna Faris in 2017. In her memoir *Unqualified*, she described how his success brought her doubts: “It can be hard not to have a moment of self-doubt when my husband is acting with young women in big movies.” She also noted the pressure she felt from their high-profile relationship—an unexpected dynamic. [https://www.thecut.com/2017/10/anna-fariss-memoir-is-haunted-by-the-ghost-of-her-breakup.html]
Author Justine Musk, who once dated Elon Musk when both were students, discussed their relationship’s imbalance. She recounted how Elon’s wealth and South African background created a “certain dynamic” of judgment and inequality. She revealed that Elon would often comment on her shortcomings, and after their split, he quickly got engaged to actress Talulah Riley. [https://www.marieclaire.com/sex-love/a5380/millionaire-starter-wife/]
Cynthia Lennon shared her experience of early fame with John Lennon, revealing how security was instructed to keep her away. Her relationship, blossoming amid Beatlemania, ended after John’s many affairs and their discovery of Yoko Ono. She lamented: “If I’d known then what falling for John would lead to, I’d have turned away.” [https://people.com/john-lennon-son-julian-says-hes-never-been-part-of-beatles-inner-circle-8769405]
Finally, Tom Cruise’s first marriage was with Mimi Rogers before he shot to international fame with *Top Gun*. She reflected in 2001 that she was content with being less famous, and that their age gap and tabloid exaggerations were more bothersome than stardom itself. “When I met him, his career was just beginning to take off,” she said, emphasizing that the fame wasn’t the issue—just the media’s portrayal of their relationship. [https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/story/tom-cruise-first-marriage-mimi-rogers]
Any other high-profile breakups come to mind? Share in the comments!
