A representative for famous actress Natalie Portman said she and Benjamin Millepied are officially divorced after the couple quietly filed to end their marriage in July.
This is the first public statement regarding the dissolution of their marriage, according to People. The source close to the matter said Portman is the one who filed to divorce Millepied after 11 years of marriage, and the matter was settled in Feb., in France. Portman and her ex-husband have been living in France with their 12-year-old son, Aleph, and their 7-year-old daughter, Amalia, according to People.
They arrive for the opening ceremony of the 68th Cannes Film Festival in Cannes, southeastern France, on May 13, 2015. Photo credit VALERY HACHE/AFP via Getty Images
The source said it has been difficult for Portman to navigate the separation and divorce while also trying to keep the matter away from the press. The headlines began swirling in May 2023, saying Millepied was involved in an extramarital affair, and this proved to be quite a challenging time for the Oscar-winner, according to People.
Actress Natalie Portman (L) and her husband Benjamin Millepied attend the Christian Dior show as part of Paris Fashion Week Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2015 on January 26, 2015 in Paris, France. Photo by Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images
“It was initially really tough for her, but her friends rallied around her and helped get her through the worst of it,” a friend of the 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.”
In spite of the breakdown of their relationship, Portman and Millepied were photographed together as a family during special occasions and public outings in 2023. They appear to be making every effort to co-parent peacefully, according to People.
Actress Natalie Portman and her husband Benjamin Millepied arrive on the red carpet for the 84th Annual Academy Awards on February 26, 2012 in Hollywood, California. AFP PHOTO Joe KLAMAR(Photo credit JOE KLAMAR/AFP via Getty Images
“Her biggest priority has been ensuring a smooth transition for her children,” the insider said.
“She and Ben really love their kids and are equally focused on being the best co-parents they can be. Nothing is more important.”
Actress Natalie Portman (L) and her husband Benjamin Millepied attend the Christian Dior show as part of Paris Fashion Week Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2015 on January 26, 2015 in Paris, France. Photo by Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images
Another insider said Millepied was “doing all he can to get Natalie to forgive him and keep their family together” in 2023, while Portman’s “biggest priority is protecting her children and their privacy.” (RELATED: ‘Can I Have A Little Moment’: Gisele Bundchen Breaks Down In Tears During Interview)
Millepied is the choreographer for “Dune: Part Two.” Portman was doing press appearances for “May December,” during the former couples’ separation period, and was also filming “Fountain of Youth.” She has also been prepping for the release of her next project, “Lady in the Lake.”