Natalie Portman reportedly struggled when her 11-year marriage to Benjamin Millepied secretly ended.
“It was initially really tough for her, but her friends rallied around her and helped get her through the worst of it,” an insider told People Friday.
“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.”
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Natalie Portman and Benjamin Millepied finalize divorce after his alleged affair
Natalie Portman and Benjamin Millepied already have finalized divorce after quietly splitting following his alleged affair
Ringless Natalie Portman reunites with husband Benjamin Millepied for family lunch after addressing divorce rumors
It was revealed Friday that Portman, 42, and Millepied, 46, had actually called it quits eight months ago and their divorce proceedings had already been finalized, as the paperwork was all wrapped up.
The former couple has not yet issued a statement on the split. Their reps did not return Page Six’s request for comment.
Portman and Millepied’s divorce comes months after sources first revealed the estranged pair were separated due to the latter’s alleged affair with 25-year-old climate activist Camille Étienne.
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“They’ve been trying to work on their marriage but are currently on the outs,” an insider told Us Weekly last August.
Page Six had also exclusively reported in June 2023 that the Oscar winner and French choreographer were fighting to save their marriage after the alleged cheating scandal.
“They have not split and are trying to work things out,” a source told us at the time. “Ben is doing everything he can to get Natalie to forgive him. He loves her and their family.”
French magazine Voici previously published images of Millepied and Étienne strategically going into his office separately last May — only to exit the establishment within 10 minutes of each other two hours later.
The outlet claimed that Portman found out her then-husband was cheating on her the March prior.
Shortly before the allegations surfaced, the “Star Wars” actress and the former New York City Ballet dancer attempted to put a united front by kissing in public.
They were seen locking lips while dining out with friends at the restaurant Georges in Paris.
Even after the scandal broke, Portman seemed in good spirits, flashing a giant smile during a solo outing to a soccer match between Paris Saint-Germain and Clermont Foot 63 in early June 2023.
A few days later, the “May December” star proudly wore her wedding ring to the French Open.
However, the facade started to crumble later that week when Portman was spotted getting emotional while having a chat with Millepied on a park bench.
At one point, she was seen wiping away tears under her cat-eye sunglasses.
Nearly two months later, the “No Strings Attached” star stepped out without her wedding ring in Sydney, fueling speculation that the couple had called it quits for good.
Portman and Millepied met in 2009 on the set of her ballet movie, “Black Swan,” which he choreographed.
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They tied the knot in 2012 and share a son, Aleph, 12, and daughter, Amalia, 6.
Despite their divorce, Portman and Millepied appear to be co-parenting well, as they were seen last month going on a family lunch date together.
A friend of the former couple also told People Friday that the “Jackie” star’s “biggest priority has been ensuring a smooth transition for her children.”
“She and Ben really love their kids and are equally focused on being the best co-parents they can be,” the source concluded. “Nothing is more important.”
