Rihanna offered a pep talk to Natalie Portman while she was navigating her divorce from her husband of 11 years, Benjamin Millepied. Portman, who shares two children with Millepied, described the moment as “formative” after splitting from him. The support from Rihanna came at a crucial time for Natalie, helping her cope with the emotional upheaval.
The Black Swan actress announced her divorce from French dancer and choreographer Benjamin Millepied in March, following reports of a brief affair. The 43-year-old star married Benjamin, 47, in 2012 after meeting on the set of Black Swan in 2010. Together, they have two children, Aleph, 13, and Amalia, 7, who remain their top priority amid the split.
Rihanna’s Uplifting Pep Talk
During the Dior fashion show in January, Rihanna encouraged Natalie amidst her challenging time. The Umbrella singer was overheard expressing her admiration for the actress, saying:
“I am a f**ing fan. You’re one of the hottest btches in Hollywood forever. You do the most innocent look and I’m like ‘ahhhh!’”
Portman shared this “amazing experience” on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. She told the host, “I think every woman going through a divorce should get to have Rihanna say to her that she’s a bad b*tch.” Jimmy Fallon responded, “That’s a big deal,” to which Natalie boldly replied, “It was a formative moment in my life.”
A Painful Split and Supportive Friends
The couple separated quietly in 2023, following reports in May that Benjamin had been unfaithful. A source revealed that the split was particularly tough on Natalie, who leaned heavily on her friends for support through the worst of it. The insider told People:
“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. Her resilience has truly shone through during these challenging times.”
Natalie’s primary focus has been on ensuring a smooth transition for her children during this difficult period. “She and Ben really love their kids and are equally focused on being the best co-parents they can be. Nothing is more important,” the source added. Fans have noticed Natalie without her wedding ring since the affair reports surfaced, fueling ongoing suspicions and speculation about the true state of her marriage.
Attempts to Reconcile and Public Appearances
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Despite the affair, Benjamin made significant efforts to save their marriage and keep the family together. The source mentioned that he put in an “enormous” effort. In June last year, the pair were seen together at the Cannes Film Festival, just after news of the affair broke.
They were spotted displaying affection while dining with friends at the restaurant Georges, sharing a romantic kiss while Natalie held onto a red rose. However, these public displays of affection weren’t enough to mend the deep cracks in their relationship. Despite their efforts, the underlying issues proved too significant to overcome.
Natalie’s Resilience and Moving Forward
Living her best life: Natalie Portman — who has officially divorced Benjamin Millepied following his extramarital affair — is having a “phoenix moment”, a pal of the actress told PageSix, who added that she “looks incredible and is feeling great”.
According to other sources, the… pic.twitter.com/LFntmCIFmy
— Natalie Portman Updates (@nportmanonline) March 13, 2024
Natalie’s journey through this challenging period has been marked by resilience and strength. Despite the emotional turmoil, she has focused on her career and the well-being of her children. Reflecting on her experiences, Natalie emphasized the importance of honesty and transparency in relationships. “If you share 14 years together and you cheated, doesn’t that person deserve the absolute truth regardless of how much that hurts them?” she said on her Let’s Be Clear With Shannen Doherty podcast.
As Natalie moves forward, she continues to prioritize her family and career, emerging stronger from the ordeal. Her candid reflections on love and marriage offer a glimpse into her personal growth and determination to find happiness. With the support of friends like Rihanna and her own inner resilience, Natalie Portman is ready to embrace the next chapter of her life.
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