Celebrity relationships often attract the public, but when these high-profile unions come to an end, the spotlight only intensifies. Over the years, several prominent couples from the entertainment world have faced the challenges of divorce and separation, going through custody battles, media scrutiny, and the problem of shared fame.
From Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie’s prolonged legal disputes to Sophie Turner and Joe Jonas’ international custody arrangements, each split tells a unique story of transition. Here’s a look back at some of the most talked-about celebrity breakups and how these stars have moved forward both personally and professionally after parting ways.
After spending over a decade together and being legally married for two years, the announcement of Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie’s divorce in 2016 came as a major event in the entertainment industry. Their decision to end the marriage drew widespread attention, with Jolie citing irreconcilable differences when filing the documents.
The court process stretched on for years, mainly because of unresolved matters concerning their six children’s custody and disagreements related to jointly owned properties, such as their vineyard in France.
Since they went their separate ways, both have invested time in parenting and developing their own careers. However, occasional legal disagreements have kept their names in public discussions.
1. Sophie Turner and Joe Jonas Go Separate Ways (2023)
The news that Sophie Turner and Joe Jonas had decided to end their marriage surfaced in September 2023, four years after tying the knot. The court documents described the relationship as beyond repair. This sparked legal disputes concerning the care and custody of their two children.
Turner took legal steps initially to have the children returned to England, prompting an international custody conversation. With time, both sides reached a short-term understanding allowing shared parenting responsibilities between the United States and the United Kingdom. Despite the challenges that came with their split, the pair have publicly agreed on putting the children’s wellbeing first and working together as parents.
2. Cardi B and Offset Decide to Split (2024)
In July 2024, Cardi B filed for divorce from Offset, ending their six-year marriage. Those close to the couple described the move as something that had been expected for quite some time, and it was not directly linked to any infidelity.
Although they decided to end their union, they continue to show a united front when it comes to raising their children. At the time of the separation, they had two children and welcomed a third in September. Their focus remains on providing support and care for their growing family while moving ahead in their individual lives.
3. Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman Part Ways (2001)
Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman’s marriage ended in 2001, bringing an 11-year relationship to a close. The two had met while working together on the film Days of Thunder and went on to adopt two children during their union.
The end of their marriage was swift and caught many by surprise, especially Kidman, who was reportedly unaware of Cruise’s intentions until the filing happened. Despite the emotional strain that came with their divorce, they continued to maintain successful careers in acting. Over the years, they have remained discreet when asked about the specific circumstances behind their separation.
4. Brad Pitt and Jennifer Aniston Call It Quits (2005)
After five years of being legally married, Brad Pitt and Jennifer Aniston announced their separation in 2005. Widely regarded as one of the most influential celebrity couples at the time, they filed for divorce on grounds of irreconcilable differences.
The media closely followed their breakup, particularly because of emerging reports linking Pitt to Angelina Jolie during the filming of Mr. & Mrs. Smith. Despite the wide attention that surrounded the dissolution of their marriage, both Pitt and Aniston have built on their success in acting and, from time to time, have spoken with mutual respect about one another.
5. Bruce Willis and Demi Moore End Their Marriage (2000)
In the year 2000, Bruce Willis and Demi Moore officially ended their 13-year marriage. Their relationship had become a topic of interest in the 1990s as they were among the most visible couples in Hollywood. The divorce was based on irreconcilable differences.
They share three daughters and have earned praise for the way they’ve handled parenting responsibilities together, even after the split. Despite the end of their romantic relationship, they have continued to speak highly of each other, often commended for maintaining strong family values and a friendly relationship post-divorce.
6. Peter Andre and Katie Price Separate (2009)
Peter Andre and Katie Price’s relationship came to a formal end in 2009, four years after their wedding. Their initial connection was formed while appearing on the reality TV programme I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here! They went on to have two children together.
The breakup was highly covered in the press, and both parties mentioned that personal disagreements and constant media focus contributed to the strain on their relationship. Despite experiencing tension at the beginning of their separation, the two have since shifted attention toward parenting their children and pursuing separate paths in entertainment and business.
7. Ashton Kutcher and Demi Moore Finalise Divorce (2013)
The legal dissolution of Ashton Kutcher and Demi Moore’s marriage was completed in 2013, marking the end of a relationship that lasted eight years. Their partnership attracted attention partly because of the noticeable difference in their ages, which often made headlines.
The breakup was reportedly driven by private issues, including allegations of infidelity. Since parting ways, both individuals have moved on with their lives. Moore later shared personal reflections in her book, while Kutcher entered a new marriage and began raising a family. They have each continued to build on their careers.
8. Guy Ritchie and Madonna Conclude Their Union (2008)
In 2008, Guy Ritchie and Madonna made their divorce public, ending eight years of marriage. Their union drew attention globally due to their reputations in both music and cinema. The divorce application cited irreconcilable differences.
Media reports highlighted that contrasting lifestyles and job-related stress played roles in the split. The couple share two children and have remained focused on parenting responsibilities. Following their divorce, both Madonna and Ritchie have continued to make progress in their respective professions.
9. Chris Martin and Gwyneth Paltrow Go Separate Directions (2016)
After over ten years of marriage, Chris Martin and Gwyneth Paltrow completed their divorce in 2016, two years after they made their separation public. They introduced the term “conscious uncoupling” to describe the peaceful manner in which they chose to go their different ways.
They are parents to two children and have kept a strong friendship after the divorce. Their method of handling the breakup placed emphasis on being positive co-parents. Both continue to support each other’s personal and professional goals while maintaining a close bond for the benefit of their children.
