Here’s what 7 women have said about ending their relationships once their partners became extremely famous
Model Gigi Paris split with Glen Powell after three years together, during which his profile skyrocketed due to dating rumors with co-star Sydney Sweeney. Gigi explained that Glen agreed to play along with the rumors for PR, despite her discomfort, saying, “It was just, ‘This is what I have to do for my job.’ I had two options. I could pretend or stand up for myself.” She emphasized her desire for respect, especially in the public eye, and shared her disappointment with how the situation was handled, feeling “fed to the dogs.”
Actress Lily Jay, ex-wife of Ethan Slater, reflected on her divorce after his relationship with Ariana Grande. She wrote in an essay for The Cut that she never expected to divorce, especially after becoming a mother. Jay expressed feeling the loss of her professional privacy amid her ex-husband’s rise to fame, noting, “Days when I can’t escape the promotion of a movie associated with the saddest days of my life are darker.” She highlighted the delicate balance between her career and his public persona.
Chelsea Winstanley, a respected Māori film producer and director, discussed her breakup with Taika Waititi amid his burgeoning Hollywood success. She shared that she resented the traditional stay-at-home wife role: “I didn’t want to sit in an apartment all day waiting for him on the Gold Coast.” She suggested that growing apart was linked to her refusal to pander to her ex-husband’s rising fame and hinted at possible infidelity, stating, “I didn’t know that until many years later.”
Actress Anna Faris, former wife of Chris Pratt, described in her memoir how his rapid fame affected her. She revealed feelings of inadequacy and the strain of his success, especially when acting alongside younger women. She wrote, “It can be hard not to have a moment of self-doubt,” and reflected on their conversation about pressure from being in a high-profile relationship.
Author Justine Musk, ex-wife of Elon Musk, discussed the power imbalance during their relationship. She noted that their differing backgrounds, with Elon’s South African upbringing and wealth, created a dynamic of judgment. She recalled instances where Elon dismissed her, saying, “‘I am your wife,’ I told him, ‘not your employee,'” and shared that Elon later got engaged to Talulah Riley shortly after their breakup.
Cynthia Lennon, first wife of John Lennon, recounted in her memoir how her relationship was affected by Beatlemania and her husband’s fame. She revealed that she was often treated as a fan rather than a wife, and John’s infidelities added to her pain. She admitted that she would have turned away had she known the toll his fame would take.
Actress Mimi Rogers, Tom Cruise’s first wife before his blockbuster success, reflected on their relationship. She explained that she was comfortable being less famous, focusing on her work. She mentioned their age difference and how tabloids exaggerated it, saying, “When I met him, his career was just beginning to take off,” and added humorously, “If we were still married, I’d probably be in my sixties by now.”
Other high-profile examples? Would love to hear your thoughts!
