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Natalie Portman had a ‘really tough’ time with Benjamin Millepied divorce after cheating claims

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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.”

Natalie Portman and Benjamin Millepied holding hands while walking apart from each other.
Natalie Portman’s divorce from Benjamin Millepied was “initially really tough” for her, per a source. GC Images
Natalie Portman and Benjamin Millepied holding hands at Cannes Film Festival.
The former couple secretly divorce eight months ago. Antonio de Moraes Barros Filho

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.

Camille Étienne
Millepied allegedly had an affair with Camille Étienne. graine_de_possible/Instagram
Natalie Portman and Benjamin Millepied at a glamorous event.
Neither Portman nor Millepied have confirmed the cheating rumors. AFP/Getty Images

“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.”

Natalie Portman and Benjamin Millepied.
Page Six reported in June 2023 that Portman and Millepied’s marriage was on the rocks. Getty Images
Benjamin Millepied and Natalie Portman lovingly staring at each other.
An insider claimed at the time that Millepied was “doing everything he can” to win Portman back. Getty Images

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.

Natalie Portman and Benjamin Millepied looking cozy at a party.
Portman and Millepied in were seen kissing in June 2023 after the alleged cheating took place. WireImage
Natalie Portman and Benjamin Millepied.
The pair had reportedly been trying to save their marriage. Getty Images

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.

Natalie Portman.
Portman has been seen without her wedding ring numerous times over the past year. Getty Images
Natalie Portman and Benjamin Millepied.
The actress has not yet issued a statement on her divorce. WireImage

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.


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At one point, she was seen wiping away tears under her cat-eye sunglasses.

Natalie Portman and Benjamin Millepied.
Portman was noticeably having a hard time in June 2023 when she was seen crying in public on one occasion. GC Images
Natalie Portman and Benjamin Millepied.
Portman and Millepied were married for 11 years. GC Images

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 https://cdn.thefoxposts.com/images/2024/03/09/7d39f802103161d2d2a11b0dehttps://cdn.thefoxposts.com/images/2024/03/09/7d39f802103161d2d2a11b0de9373c13.webp73c13.webp9 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, 7.

Natalie Portman and Benjamin Millepied.
Portman and Millepied have been spotted out together recently. Arnaldo Magnani / Getty Images
Natalie Portman and Benjamin Millepied smiling.
The exes are reportedly working on having a good co-parenting relationship for their kids. Getty Images

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.”

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