Natalie Portman, Benjamin Millepied Finalise Divorce: What We Know

Actor Natalie Portman quietly initiated divorce proceedings from her husband of 11 years, Benjamin Millepied, last July. Now, the former couple's divorce has been officially finalised, as per People's report. The divorce was concluded last month in France, where Portman, 42, and Millepied, 46, reside with their two children, 12-year-old son Aleph and 7-year-old daughter Amalia. A representative for Portman has verified the news for People.

Navigating the under-the-radar separation, which transpired after media reports surfaced in May 2023 regarding an alleged extramarital affair by Millepied, has been a challenging journey for Portman. According to People's report, "It was initially really tough for her, but her friends rallied around her and helped get her through the worst of it."

Natalie Portman and Benjamin Millepied Finalise Divorce After Quietly Separating Last Year

Despite the upheaval, Portman is emerging stronger, finding solace and happiness in her family, friends, and work endeavours. Throughout the ordeal, both Portman and Millepied have prioritised ensuring a smooth transition for their children.

"Her biggest priority has been ensuring a smooth transition for her children," the report claimed. "She and Ben love their kids and are equally focused on being the best co-parents they can be. Nothing is more important."

While signs of strain in the marriage were apparent—Portman had stopped wearing her wedding ring since last spring following reports of Millepied's alleged affair—the couple worked through their issues privately to establish a "new normal."

In June 2023, a source informed the news firm that Millepied was striving to reconcile with Portman, emphasising family unity. Portman, however, remained committed to safeguarding her children's privacy and well-being.

Since then, both Portman and Millepied have juggled demanding work schedules. Millepied's involvement as a choreographer in the hit sequel Dune: Part Two and Portman's engagements in various projects, including the critically acclaimed May December and the Guy Ritchie-directed film Fountain of Youth, have kept them occupied.

Despite their separation, the former couple continued to support each other professionally. Portman accompanied Millepied to the Toronto International Film Festival premiere of Carmen in September 2022. However, at subsequent events, such as the Los Angeles premiere of her HBO docuseries Angel City and the Cannes Film Festival, Portman attended solo.

Remaining tight-lipped about their personal affairs, both Portman and Millepied have refrained from addressing speculation surrounding their marriage publicly. In a February interview with Vanity Fair, Portman opted not to engage with public scrutiny, stating, "It's terrible, and I have no desire to contribute to it."

Relationship Timeline

Their relationship blossomed on the set of the 2010 movie Black Swan, where Millepied served as the choreographer. Reflecting on their collaborative experience, Portman described it as "exciting and fun" during a SiriusXM Town Hall interview in 2018.

As Portman and Millepied embark on their separate journeys, they remain focused on their children and embrace their new reality as a family. Despite the challenges, Portman finds peace and acceptance, ready to embrace the next chapter of her life.