It’s safe to say that for the most of us, 2020 was a year we want to forget as quickly as possible. But, if the pandemic wasn’t enough to deal with, many of those in the public eye we know – or think we know – so well have had even more on their plate.
As we learnt previously, lockdown and relationships have not mixed very well, with some of the most well know relationships feeling the strain, emotionally and financially.
Here, we look at the biggest celebrity divorces and breakups that shook the A-list world last year. We also analyse what supposedly went wrong and the ramifications these breakups have on what were once such idyllic lifestyles of the rich and famous.
Kim Kardashian West and Kanye West
Probably the most famous celebrity couple on the planet bar none, as well as one of the richest, are now going through one of the biggest celebrity divorces of the year. Known collectively to their fans as ‘Kimye’, they have made the decision recently to proceed with their divorce.
There have been significant rumours that things have not been right for the reality TV star/business mogul and rapper/fashion designer since Kim’s birthday in October 2020 and it’s now reported that Kim has officially filed for divorce.
Reports suggest that the already unpredictable nature of Kanye, became too much for Kim to deal with any longer. It was rumoured that Kim had been delaying the separation announcement for the finale of their reality show, Keeping Up with the Kardashians and for fear of judgement due to Kanye’s mental health history.
The mother of four, fashion and cosmetics entrepreneur and civil rights activist is also keen to take her bar exam to become a fully-qualified lawyer, so this may well have played a part in the decision while her ex decided to run for President.
While Kim has always praised Kanye as a father and is seeking joint child custody, their journey as the celebrity power couple has come to an end. Dividing their assets, including a $60million property empire, should be interesting.
Channing Tatum and Jessie J
It seems the Magic Mike icon and British pop star have parted ways for the last time in one of lockdown’s biggest celebrity breakups. Journalists first got word the two were dating back in October 2018 and, having broken up roughly a year later, the two lovebirds reconciled after just one month apart, indicating they just could not face being apart.
Their debut red carpet appearance as a couple at the MusiCares Person of the Year Gala suggested that the two were destined for celebrity couple greatness. In February, they spent Valentine’s Day together and even included Channing’s ex-wife and daughter in the festivities. A very promising gesture indeed!
Though it got off to a bumpy start, this looked like a recipe for a long-lasting, love-filled relationship. Sadly though, in April of 2020, it was all over for good. Sources report that the two A-listers wanted to try and make things work, but realised that they were better off as friends, parting ways amicably.
Heartfelt social media posts between the two are still live, so the flame may not have fully gone out – only time will tell.
Legally, the couple were not married and do not appear to have shared property, so a clean break was quite straightforward.
Jason Sudeikis and Olivia Wilde
November saw the demise of this seven year-strong engagement. Jason Sudeikis, famously known for his roles in films such as Horrible Bosses and We’re the Millers was reportedly devastated to learn his long-term partner, actress and activist Olivia Wilde had found a new flame in musician, Harry Styles.
While some say that there may have been an overlap in romances, reports suggest the musician was not the reason behind the split. Keen to rebuild the relationship and his family to its former glory, Sudeikis is said to be heartbroken at the developments.
As is the case with many high-profile relationships, the truth is hard to find. While there is little doubt that Wilde is now dating Styles, sources close to Sudeikis suggest the breakup was a much more balance affair than initially thought. Several disagreements surrounding living arrangements and career decisions seemed to be the definitive factors.
As the couple were engaged for seven years, but did not marry, neither is entitled to the other’s assets. However, they will likely need the advice of a legal professional to sort out the rules regarding raising their shared children.
Shane Lynch and Sheena White
Boyzone star Shane Lynch revealed that he and his wife, Sheena White, have parted ways during lockdown after thirteen strong years of marriage. Admitting that the pressures of lockdown became too much of a strain on the relationship, Lynch moved out of the family home as the situation has become unhealthy.
The former Boyzone star stated that due to his usual touring lifestyle, the change in dynamic of being stuck at home resulted in learning things about his relationship that were perhaps not as apparent as before. Though things obviously turned sour between the two during this time, Shane is hopeful that the relationship is salvageable over time.
Tying the knot with wife Sheena White back in 2007, the couple have two young daughters together, so their lives will naturally factor in any future commitments they may or may not make. At this point, this is only a separation of sorts, with no plans of another celebrity divorce to add to the list. With the hopeful easing of restrictions in the coming months, perhaps there is a light at the end of the tunnel for these two?
Mary-Kate Olsen and Olivier Sarkozy
After five years of marriage, the child star split from her husband becoming yet another recent celebrity divorce under lockdown. The 34-year-old star recently agreed a divorce settlement with the 51-yer-old French banker, nine months after they decided to call time on the marriage.
The couple were based in New York, and with the extremely tough time that area faced due to Covid, the divorce process was a drawn-out affair. A hearing was conducted via video link, in which the court proceeded with the settlement, referring to Olsen’s ironclad prenup, meaning her estimated $250 million was safe and sound.
The stepbrother of former French President, Nicolas Sarkozy, and the former child star will now have to go about selling the couple’s New York townhouse, valued at around £13.5 million. Their five-bedroom Bridgehampton-based home worth million will also now likely be up for sale.
Though these two may not have shared as much of the limelight as other couples, the financial fallout from this celebrity divorce is there for all to see.
Considering Filing for Divorce
You may not be in the public eye, but you still deserve the highest quality legal advice. If you are considering separating from your partner and would like advice on how to file for divorce, contact our friendly and professional divorce lawyers today.
