The 11-year marriage between Oscar-winning actress Natalie Portman, 42, and her husband, French director and choreographer Benjamin Millepied, 46, has come to an official end.
The actress quietly filed for divorce about eight months ago, and it has now been finalized in France, where they live with their two children.
Sources have revealed that Natalie has been going through a tough time since reports about Benjamin’s affair made headlines last year.
"It was initially really tough for her, but her friends rallied around her and helped get her through the worst of it," a friend of the couple 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,” the friend added.
Natalie Portman quietly filed for divorce from Benjamin Millepied last year
Image credits: Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic / Getty Images
Despite the challenges, both parents are reportedly committed to ensuring that their separation is a smooth transition for their 12-year-old son, Aleph, and 7-year-old daughter, Amalia. The family has been photographed together on different occasions over the last year as the couple navigate the process of co-parenting.
"Her 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. Nothing is more important," the insider told the outlet.
The couple met on the set of Black Swan before they tied the knot
It was only last month when Natalie was asked about the swirling rumors surrounding her marriage since news of Benjamin’s affair broke out. The award-winning actress said she refused to contribute to the rumor mill.
“It’s terrible, and I have no desire to contribute to it,” she told Vanity Fair.
The pair first met while working together for Natalie’s widely popular film, Black Swan. Benjamin was in charge of teaching the actress ballet for the film.
The two are now "equally focused on being the best co-parents," an insider said
Against the backdrop of the movie set, their relationship bloomed and quickly became a beloved Hollywood love story.
Following Benjamin’s “short-lived” affair, Natalie wanted to keep the matter private, sources said.
“Natalie is incredibly private and has no intention of playing this out in the media. Her biggest priority is protecting her children and their privacy,” a source told People last year.