Here are insights from seven women who spoke about ending relationships with their partners after they became extremely famous:
**Model Gigi Paris** broke up with actor Glen Powell after three years due to his skyrocketing fame linked to rumors about his co-star Sydney Sweeney. Gigi explained she felt disrespected by how the breakup was handled, emphasizing the importance of respect and decency amid public speculation. She said, “I just wanted respect, especially if it’s gonna be public… Just don’t make a fool out of someone you’ve been with for over three years.”
**Lily Jay**, Ethan Slater’s ex-wife and psychologist, shared her emotional experience after their divorce, which coincided with his relationship with Ariana Grande. In an essay for The Cut, she revealed her battle with loss of privacy and the impact of her husband’s rising celebrity—especially her longing for the “life of invisibility” she once had. “Days when I can’t escape the promotion of a movie associated with the saddest days of my life are darker,” she wrote.
**Chelsea Winstanley**, film producer and director, recounted her relationship with Taika Waititi. She noted that the success he achieved with Marvel movies and his involvement in big projects began unraveling their marriage. She mentioned feeling the strain of her role as a supportive wife and suspicions of infidelity, revealing, “That probably was the beginning of the unraveling because I wasn’t that panderer… Someone else was, though.”
**Anna Faris**, actress and author, reflected on how Chris Pratt’s rise to mega-fame contributed to their 2017 breakup. In her memoir *Unqualified*, she expressed the challenge of feeling overshadowed and dealing with her husband’s Hollywood success. She wrote, “It can be hard not to have a moment of self-doubt when my husband is acting with young women in big movies.”
**Justine Musk**, ex-wife of Elon Musk, discussed the economic and emotional imbalance during their relationship. She said that Elon’s background and ambitions created a dynamic where her role was diminished, leading to their separation: “Elon’s judgment overruled mine, and he was constantly remarking on the ways he found me lacking.”
**Cynthia Lennon**, wife of John Lennon, revealed the difficulties of life with a burgeoning Beatle. She shared her experience of being pushed aside and faced with infidelity as John’s fame grew. Her memoir reflects regret, noting, “If I’d known as a teenager what falling for John would lead to, I would have turned round right then and walked away.”
**Mimi Rogers**, first wife of Tom Cruise, made a point about the impact of his rising star. She accepted her less-famous status in their relationship and focused on her own career. She commented, “I was doing the work I wanted to do, and if I didn’t have the success Tom had, well, that’s just the luck of the draw.” However, she also highlighted the awkward age difference controversies.
Each story highlights the complex emotional and social challenges women face when relationships are tested by sudden fame and public scrutiny. Do you know other stories of high-profile splits influenced by fame? Let me know in the comments!
