Despite the blossoming new relationships between unlikely pairings surrounding some members of Hollywood like Kim Kardashian and Taylor Swift, love is not in the air for many celebrity couples. Break-ups and divorces have been frequent in the Los Angeles area, with gossip news and paparazzi biting at the hints of trouble in paradise. From figures loved by many for their roles in television and pop culture to controversial characters with skeletons in their closets, the influence of Cupid can not keep everyone happy.
The unexpected divorce of Sophie Turner and Joe Jonas comes at the top of almost everyone’s news feed. Those who know Sophie see her for her role as Sansa Stark in HBO’s Game of Thrones, and her former husband Joe Jonas, who is recognized as a member of The Jonas Brothers, a band featuring him and his two brothers Nick and Kevin. The divorce accusations come after sources say Joe was spotted not wearing his wedding ring, stirring more gossip and drama. On September 5, 2023, Jonas officially filed for divorce, reporting to People magazine that their marriage had become “irretrievably broken” while also filing for joint custody of their two children. The next day, both celebrities released a joint statement where they disclosed “After four wonderful years of marriage we have mutually decided to amicably end our marriage,” to People magazine. The real reason for the split is cloudy as multiple sources say Jonas was less than supportive of Turner after her recovery from their second child’s birth. Sources from People report that after the birth, “Sophie did not want to leave the house or go to events and parties. Nevertheless, she was seen supporting Joe at multiple events, making it slightly obvious she did not want to be there.” In June 2023, Jonas was spotted wearing his wedding ring while performing with the Jonas Brothers at a concert in Austin, Texas. However, he was not wearing it at a show in Los Angeles the following week. Jonas is seeking joint custody of their daughters. While fame can bring couples together, it can also exert immense pressure on even the strongest relationships.
A relationship for the more mature crowd, Hugh Jackman and Deborra-Lee Furness lifted the standard when it comes to commitment in the area of Hollywood. Married in 1996, Jackman and Furness have spent the better part of 3 decades on a joint journey through the ups and downs of life, which is why the news of their separation shocked the wider public. In a joint statement to People magazine, they explain, “Our journey now is shifting and we have decided to separate to pursue our individual growth.” Fortunately, the messiness that comes along with most Hollywood marriages was skipped this time around as no drama or fighting reportedly occurred. Jackman and Furness came to an agreement that they had just grown to be better as friends as they grew apart. The two share children Oscar, 23, and Ava, 18, along with Jackman’s net worth totaling around $180 million. This fairytale of marriage seemed to lose some of its shine as the years went on, but a hopeful chapter seems to be on the horizon.
One news story that captured the attention of the public eye throughout the summer months was the shocking separation between Ariana Grande and her real estate agent husband, Dalton Gomez. Rumors of the estrangement swirled in August of 2022, with videos of Grande sans-wedding ring. On February 20, 2023, the two celebrities became officially separated a year and nine months after tying the knot, Today declared. With Grande technically on the market, the romance between her and her Wicked co-star, Ethan Slater, bubbled as he recently separated from his wife, Lilly Jay. Slater, known for playing the titular role in the Spongebob Squarepants Musical, shares a one-year-old with Jay. In September of 2023, Grande and Gomez formally divorced, citing “irreconcilable differences” for the cause. Parallels can be drawn to Joe Jonas and Sophie Turner as both couples seemed to crack under the stress of travel and the separation that comes with it.
Surrounded by stunning mountain ranges that envelop the basin and the Pacific Ocean to the West, it is no wonder why so many call Los Angeles paradise. The climate yields bright sun and blue skies close to 365 days a year and the bustling street life promises something to do at all times. But the fast-paced gossip and news that surrounds the red carpets allows for little to no privacy and certainly no secrets to be held by well-known individuals. Trouble in paradise for a certain couple? Tomorrow’s scoop is already being written, with evidence and predictions in between. Joe and Sophie, Hugh and Deborra, and Ariana and Dalton captured the attention of many with the unprecedented news of their divorces. Who’s next?