Celebrity Divorces In 2021: All The Stars Who Called It Quits On Their Marriages This Year

By:

Christina Casiano

December 21, 2021 3:10PM EST

End of the road! 2021 was full of change, with many celebrity couples deciding it was time to divorce. Some split on good terms while others are still battling their exes in court or in the press. Click through to see the celebrity divorces that made headlines in 2021.

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Kim Kardashian & Kanye West

Kim Kardashian & Kanye West — End of the road! 2021 was full of change, as many looked to shake things up following a year of pandemic pause. For some, that meant the end of relationships old and new. Many celebrity couples decided it was time to part ways, but not every breakup was amicable. Some split on good terms while others are still battling their exes in court or in the press.

One of the year’s most talked-about divorces was between Kim Kardashian and Kanye West. Kim officially filed for divorce on Deb. 19 2021 but the split was no surprise to keen Kardashian-watchers. The couple, who wed in 2014, found themselves at odds in summer 2021 after Kanye kicked off his presidential campaign with an emotional speech on Jul. 19, where he shared intimate details about his marriage and family. He followed that up by asking the starlet to divorce him in a tweet. Days later she was caught bawling in a parking lot near Kanye’s Cody, Wyoming compound on Jul. 24 2021.

After that, the couple appeared to be living separately, with a source EXCLUSIVELY telling HollywoodLife in Jan. 2021, “Kim and Kanye are doing fine living their separate lives. They’re communicating little but not as much as one would think… She’s in LA, trying to keep the kids’ lives normal. It’s a sad situation.” Weeks later she would file for divorce.

Though the papers were filed in Feb., Kanye still seemed hopeful about a reunion as recently as Dec. 9 when he begged her to “run right back to me” during an LA concert. He had been linked to model Irina Shayk through spring 2021, however. Kim was ready to dip her toes back into the dating pool by late Oct., when she was first spotted enjoying some PDA with comic Pete Davidson. Kim has been married 3 times: first to Damon Thomas from 2000 to 2004, then to NFL player Kris Humphries for a blissful 72 days, and last to Kanye.

Kim Kardashian and Kanye West arrive at the 2020 Vanity Fair Oscar Party held on Feb. 9.

Click through to see the celebrity divorces that made headlines in 2021.

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Kaley Cuoco & Karl Cook

Kaley Cuoco & Karl Cook — Kaley Cuoco beams while holding hands with Karl Cook on the red carpet of the 76th Annual Golden Globes on Jan. 6 2019.

Kaley and Karl were married in June 2018 and filed for divorce 3 years later in Sep. 2021. At the time of their split, the ‘Big Bang Theory’ actress and equestrian shared a joint statement that said, “Despite a deep love and respect for one another, we have realized that our current paths have taken us in opposite directions.”

“We have both shared so much of our journey publicly so while we would prefer to keep this aspect of our personal life private, we wanted to be forthcoming in our truth together. There is no anger or animosity, quite the contrary,” it continued. Kaley was previously wed to actor Ryan Sweeting, who she divorced in 2016.

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Kate Bosworth & Michael Polish

Kate Bosworth & Michael Polish — Kate Bosworth is aglow while with Michael Polish at the 2018 Vanity Fair Oscar Party on Mar. 4.

Kate and Michael called it quits in Aug. 2021 after 8 years of marriage. They announced their divorce by celebrating what was, sharing a photo of the couple kissing along with a lengthy caption that said, in part, “Our hearts are full, as we have never been so enamored and deeply grateful for one another as we do in this decision to separate.”

“Together, over the last ten years, Michael and I have chosen love, every time. We hold hands as tightly today as we entangled fingers on our wedding day. Our eyes look more deeply into one another, with more courage now. In the process of letting go, we have come to acknowledge that our love will never end. The connection does not simply disappear. The love deepens, the heart expands.”

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Bill Gates & Melinda Gates

Bill Gates & Melinda Gates — Bill and Melinda French Gates pose together in Kirkland, Wash. on Jan 31 2019.

The couple made international headlines when they announced the end of their 27-year marriage in May 2021. In a statement on Twitter, the couple shared, “After a great deal of thought and a lot of work on our relationship, we have made the decision to end our marriage. Over the last 27 years, we have raised three incredible children and built a foundation that works all over the world to enable all to lead healthy, productive lives.”

It would later come to light that Bill had an affair with a Microsoft employee. He would later tell Anderson Cooper that while he regrets the relationship, he’ was ready to move on. “Certainly, I think everyone does [have regrets],” he told the newsman. “But it’s a time of reflection and at this point, I need to go forward. My work is very important to me. Within the family we’ll heal as best we can and learn from what happened.”

The couple never signed a prenup, but when the divorce was finalized in Aug. 2021, Melinda did not ask for spousal support. How the couple split Bill’s some $150 million fortune was not part of court records.

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Elliot Page & Emma Portner

Elliot Page & Emma Portner — Elliot Page and Emma Portner smile at the premiere of ‘Tales of the City’ on Jun. 3 2019.

Elliot and Emma announced their split in Jan. 2021, 3 years after they wed. Offering a statement to the public, they said, “After much thought and careful consideration, we have made the difficult decision to divorce following our separation last summer. We have the utmost respect for each other and remain close friends.”

The ‘Umbrella Academy’ actor came out as transgender in Dec. 2020 with a thoughtful social media post. He wrote, “I feel overwhelming gratitude for the incredible people who have supported me along this journey. I can’t begin to express how remarkable it feels to finally love who I am enough to pursue my authentic self.”

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Zoe Kravitz & Karl Glusman

Zoe Kravitz & Karl Glusman — Zoe Kravitz keeps close to Karl Glusman at the 2019 Vanity Fair Oscar Party on Feb. 24.

Zoe and Karl were wed in June 2019 and divorced 18-months later, with the split making headlines on Jan. 3 2021. The ‘High Fidelity’ actress/daughter of Lenny Kravitz and Lisa Bonet wouldn’t comment on the break-up until months later in Oct. 2021 while talking about her new music with AnOther magazine. “It’s personal. It’s about love and loss,” she said of her album. “I got married. I got divorced. Separations, break-ups are sad but are beautiful things too.”

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Faith Evans & Stevie J

Faith Evans & Stevie J — Stevie J wraps his arm around Faith Evans at Clive Davis’ 2020 Pre-Grammy Gala, Arrivals on Jan. 25.

Stevie J and Faith Evan’s tumultuous relationship ended in Nov. 2021 after 3 years of marriage. They had a history of ups and downs, first meeting in the 90s. The couple went public in 2016 but took a break come 2017, only to make things official with a Vegas wedding in July 2018. In 2020 Stevie really committed, getting Faith’s face tattooed on his torso that August.

Eve reflected on the relationship on ‘The Breakfast Club’ in Dec. 2021. “I just don’t like the drama and I think he might be a little bit addicted to the drama,” she said, also noting “I still love him; I love him as a friend. I love him but it’s not like I’m in love with him.”

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Scooter Braun & Yael Cohen

Scooter Braun & Yael Cohen — Scooter Braun takes wife Yael Cohen to the premiere of ‘Dave’ Season 2 on June 10 2021.

Scooter and Yael filed for divorce on July 21 2021, citing “irreconcilable differences“. The record exec — who is behind stars like Justin Bieber and Ariana Grande — and founder of the non-profit F*** Cancer were wed in 2014 and have 3 kids. Scooter, who retained celebrity divorce attorney Laura Wasser, is reportedly worth around $400 million.

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John Mulaney & Anna Marie Tendler

John Mulaney & Anna Marie Tendler — John Mulaney smiles beside Annamarie Tendler at the 2018 Vanity Fair Oscar Party on Mar. 4.

John and Anna Marie parted ways in March 2021, only weeks after the comic had reportedly checked himself into rehab. Anna Marie seemed blindsided by the news at the time, telling HollywoodLife, “I am heartbroken that John has decided to end our marriage. I wish him support and success as he continues his recovery.” He officially filed to end things in July.

The standup was seen holding hands with Olivia Munn in May and he confirmed they were expecting a child together in Sep. Looking back on his year during an appearance on ‘Late Night With Seth Meyers’ on Sept. 7, he said, “I packed a lot into this … Is it September now? I went to rehab in September [2020], I got out in October, I moved out of my home from my ex-wife.”

“In the spring I went to Los Angeles and met and started to date a wonderful woman named Olivia. I got into this relationship that’s been really beautiful with someone incredible. . . and we’re having a baby together.” John and Olivia welcomed their baby boy in late Nov.

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Carmelo Anthony & La La Anthony

Carmelo Anthony & La La Anthony — Carmelo Anthony and La La Anthony attend the 2021 Met Gala, celebrating ‘Schiaparelli and Prada: Impossible Conversations’.

La La filed for divorce in Jun. 2021 after 11 years of marriage. The couple had previously separated in 2017 amid rumors he cheated. They reunited the year later, however.

Former MTV VJ La La opened up about her split from the NBA player in Oct. on ‘The Angie Martinez Show’, admitting “it’s been years” since they broke up. She talked about her own relationship status, saying, “To a lot of people, it feels like this single thing is new. It’s been years now that we’ve separated, so I’ve dealt with the emotions behind it.”

She went on, “I still have my moments, but for the most part, I can talk about it now and laugh about it and find the humor in it all. Otherwise, I’d be a basket case. I already went through that part.”

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Ray J & Princess Love

Ray J & Princess Love — Ray J and Princess Love cuddled up at the 2019 MTV Movie & TV Awards on June 19.

Ray J filed to divorce wife of 5-years Princess Love on Oct. 6 2021, making it the 3rd time the couple has tried to end their marriage.

Princess declared she was divorcing Ray J after she claimed he “stranded” her and their daughter in Las Vegas in November 2019 and in May 2020 she followed through with her promise. (He denies that happening.)

The couple put the divorce on pause when they temporarily reconciled over summer 2020. By Sept. 2020 they were at odds again and Ray J asked to officially end things. They tried to make things work one last time before he filed again in Oct. 2021.

Princess, who shares 2 kids with Ray J, told TMZ, she’d “never been better” days after the divorce filing. “I’m just focused on working right now and taking care of my kids. They’re my focus,” she said.

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Jana Kramer & Mike Caussin

Jana Kramer & Mike Caussin — Jana Kramer brings Mike Caussin to the 2019 Annual People’s Choice Awards on Nov. 10 2019.

Jana Kramer and Mike Caussin’s divorce was fraught with drama from the day she announced they were splitting on Apr. 21 2021, declaring “It’s time” on her social media. The country singer had already endured a very public cheating scandal years ago, after which Mike filed to divorce her in 2016.

Jana would accuse him of infidelity again in her 2021 divorce papers, citing “adultery”, “inappropriate marital conduct,” and “irreconcilable differences” as the reasons for dissolving their marriage. The couple continued to escalate things when they filed for mutual temporary restraining orders on Apr. 26, barring each other from making “disparaging remarks” in front of their two kids or employers. They finalized their divorce on July 22 2021.

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Blair Underwood & Desiree DaCosta

Blair Underwood & Desiree DaCosta — Blair Underwood wraps an arm around Desiree DaCosta at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party on Feb 24 2019.

Desiree filed for divorce on June 29 2021, ending her 27-year marriage with the ‘Quantico’ actor. They had announced they were parting ways 2 months prior in April.

The couple, who share 3 adult children, shared a joint statement at the time, writing, “After a tremendous amount of thought, prayer & work on ourselves individually & collectively, we have come to the conclusion to end our marriage that began 27 years ago. It has truly been a beautiful journey. Our proudest achievements are our three incredible children. Three souls to which God entrusted us.”

“We continue to be awed & humbled by the blessings of parenting. We have always put their best interests first & will continue to do so,” they continued. “We will continue to be the best of friends and co-parents and have the utmost respect for one another as we embark upon this new chapter of our lives, separately.”

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Kenneth ‘Babyface’ Edmonds & Nicole Pantenburg

Kenneth ‘Babyface’ Edmonds & Nicole Pantenburg — Kenneth ‘Babyface’ Edmonds smiles besides Nicole Pantenburg at the Power Of Love Gala in Las Vegas in Apr. 2018.

Nicole and Babyface announced the end of their 7-year marriage in July 2021. The dancer and music producer began dating in 2007 and wed 7 years after that.

At the time they released a statement via People, saying “After much thought and with great sadness, we have decided to end our marriage.” The couple, who share daughter Peyton, 12, went on, “We continue to care and have respect for one another and share eternal love for our daughter and her well-being. We ask for personal privacy for ourselves and our daughter as we navigate these new steps as a family.”

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Ioan Gruffudd & Alice Evans

Ioan Gruffudd & Alice Evans — Ioan Gruffudd and Alice Evans attend the premiere of ‘San Andreas’ in May 2015.

Ioan Gruffudd filed to divorce Alice Evans on Mar. 2 2021, a little more than a month after she tweeted the ‘Harrow’ actor was “leaving his family” on Jan. 26. “Sad news,” the English actress wrote. “My beloved husband/soulmate of 20 years, Ioan Gruffudd, has announced he is to leave his family, starting next week. Me and our young daughters girls are very confused and sad. We haven’t been given a reason except that he ‘no longer loves me.'”

She later accused him of having a 3-year long affair with her friend Bianca Wallace. In an Oct. tweet, Alice wrote, “So it turns out that my husband, after two years of telling me I’m a bad person and I’m not exciting and he no longer wants to have s** with me and he just wants to be on set abroad…Has been in a relationship for THREE years behind all our backs. Good luck, Bianca.”

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Xzibit & Krista Joiner

Xzibit & Krista Joiner — Xzibit and Krista Joiner attend the ‘Straight Outta Compton’ premiere on Aug. 10 2015.

Xzibit’s wife of 6 years Krista Joiner filed to divorce the rapper — born Alvin Joiner — on Feb. 23 2021. The couple were wed in Nov. 2014 and made headlines after he was arrested for DUI mere hours after the nuptials.

The couple had 2 son, Xavier and Gatlyn. Xavier tragically died in May 2008, 11 days after his premature birth. Son Gatlyn was born in June 2010 and is now 10.

Following the split news, Xzibit shared a snapshot while bonding with Dr. Dre, who finalized his own lengthy divorce in Dec. 2021. The ‘Pimp My Ride’ host captioned the Nov. 2021 photo, “Man, we over here healing and moving forward.”

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Joe Exotic & Dillon Passage

Joe Exotic & Dillon Passage — ‘Tiger King’ star Joe ‘Exotic’ Maldonado-Passage and husband Dillon decided to end their marriage of 3 years in March 2021. Joe is currently serving a 22-year long prison sentence.

Dillon broke the news on social media, telling Instagram, “To answer the main question the public wants to know, yes, Joe and I are seeking a divorce. This wasn’t an easy decision to make but Joe and I both understand that this situation isn’t fair to either of us. It’s something that neither of us were expecting but we are going to take it day by day.

“We are on good terms still and I hope it can stay that way,” he continued. “I will continue to have Joe in my life and do my best to support him while he undergoes further legal battles to better his situation.”

Joe and Dillon were married on Dec. 11 2017, only 2 months after Joe’s previous husband, Travis Maldonado, died after accidentally shooting himself.

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