Celebrities Who Discovered Their Breakups Through the Media

Breaking up is undeniably challenging, often bringing with it an emotional whirlwind that can leave one feeling unmoored.

Unfortunately for certain celebrities, the pain of heartbreak was exacerbated when they learned about the end of their relationships through media outlets rather than personal communication. Minnie Driver painfully discovered that her romance with Matt Damon had concluded when he casually mentioned their split during an appearance on the iconic Oprah Winfrey Show in 1998. More recently, Brianna “Chickenfry” LaPaglia expressed her shock and devastation when Zach Bryan publicly shared their breakup on social media instead of directly informing her.

Here are the celebrities who found themselves heartbroken and publicly exposed as their relationships ended simultaneously with the rest of the world.

Minnie Driver

Matt Damon and Minnie Driver.

Steve Granitz Archive 1/WireImage

Minnie Driver and Matt Damon ignited a romance after sharing the screen in the critically acclaimed film Good Will Hunting, captivating audiences with their on-screen chemistry; however, their relationship was short-lived.

Driver learned of their official breakup in a stunning fashion when Damon proclaimed himself single on the Oprah Winfrey Show in 1998. The experience was especially harrowing for her—she later recounted how watching Damon win the Oscar for Best Original Screenplay just weeks after their split felt “devastating.” Despite the painful aftermath, Driver reflected positively on their unexpected yet pleasant reunion in the summer of 2020, where their exchange felt warm and comfortable.

Brianna Chickenfry

Zach Bryan and Brianna Chickenfry.

Shortly after sharing a milestone celebration of their one-year anniversary, Zach Bryan and Brianna “Chickenfry” LaPaglia decided to part ways due to unforeseen circumstances.

On October 22, Bryan took to social media, announcing their breakup amidst swirling rumors about their relationship status.

In his heartfelt Instagram Stories, Bryan expressed, “Addressing something: Brianna and me have broken up with [each other] and I respect and love her with every ounce of my heart. She has loved me unconditionally for a very long time, and for that, I’ll always thank her.”

Hours later, LaPaglia addressed her followers on YouTube, sharing the shocking truth that she learned about their separation at the same time as everyone else.

“I just woke up to Zach posting on his Instagram that we broke up, and I had no idea that post was going up. He didn’t text me, he didn’t call me. I just woke up to a bunch of texts, like, ‘Are you okay?'” she disclosed in a heartfelt video on her Plan Bri UnCut account.

LaPaglia characterized her experience as “completely blindsided” by Bryan’s decision to make their breakup public, poignantly revealing her emotional state: “Do you see the swelling on my face? I’ve been crying for like five days straight.”

Rita Ora

Calvin Harris and Rita Ora.

Jon Kopaloff/FilmMagic

Back in 2014, Rita Ora discovered the end of her romance with Calvin Harris through a public tweet sent out by the Scottish DJ, catching her completely off guard.

Addressing the speculation surrounding their breakup, Harris tweeted, “To address speculation — myself and Rita ended our relationship some time ago. She is a beautiful, talented woman & I wish her all the best.” Reputable sources indicated that Ora had been taken aback by his choice to openly disclose their split. Later, during an interview with Wonderland, she candidly admitted, “At the time… I just wanted to crawl in my bed and die. But I got out of it the other side, I’m surviving.”

On a more positive note, she shared an outlook of forgiveness and peace when discussing their past during an appearance on Watch What Happens Live, stating, “The thing is, I don’t keep grudges with anybody. Everybody uses social media how they want. I choose not to, so that’s just my personal way to express myself, but everyone does their own thing.”

Sophie Turner

Joe Jonas and Sophie Turner.

Bruce Glikas/WireImage

Sophie Turner and Joe Jonas appeared to be the picture-perfect couple during their four-year marriage, capturing the hearts of fans everywhere.

However, in 2023, Turner revealed she was blindsided by the news that the “Cake by the Ocean” singer had filed for divorce, which she learned through online platforms rather than directly from him.

In a public lawsuit filed in Manhattan and obtained by PEOPLE, the Game of Thrones star disclosed that she was informed of Jonas’ divorce filing “through the media.”

Turner explained that their marital “breakdown” happened abruptly, following a heated argument on Jonas’ 34th birthday on August 15. Shortly afterward, he filed for divorce on September 5 in Miami.

A representative for Jonas refuted Turner’s statement, asserting, “Sophie was aware that Joe was going to file for divorce.”

Despite the tumultuous onset of their split, the couple managed to reach a settlement after their separation.

Laura Dern

Laura Dern and Billy Bob Thornton.

Laura Dern and Billy Bob Thornton shared what appeared to be a loving partnership, but the facade shattered when Dern discovered that, without her knowledge, he had married Angelina Jolie while she was away filming a movie.

“I left our home to work on a movie, and while I was away, my boyfriend got married, and I’ve never heard from him again,” Dern revealed in a poignant interview with Talk Magazine in 2000, according to ABC.

“It’s like a sudden death. For no one has there been any closure or clarity,” she lamented, emphasizing the abrupt and bewildering nature of her heartbreak.

Billy Bob Thornton maintained that his choice to marry Jolie brought him happiness, asserting, “Others may say that ‘You left our girl and married someone else.’ But it made me happy and somebody else happy. I’m sorry it caused pain.”

Kris Humphries

Kris Humphries and Kim Kardashian.

WireImage

Kim Kardashian’s widely-publicized 72-day marriage sent shockwaves through the media landscape, with its abrupt ending leaving Kris Humphries just as surprised as the public.

“I love my wife and am devastated to learn she filed for divorce,” he stated in a heartfelt message to E! News shortly after Kardashian submitted her divorce papers in October 2011. “I’m committed to this marriage and everything this covenant represents. I’m willing to do whatever it takes to make it work.”

Ultimately, the couple finalized their divorce in 2013, marking the end of a turbulent chapter.

Max Ehrich

Demi Lovato, Max Ehrich.

Demi Lovato and Max Ehrich experienced an intense whirlwind romance that lasted about four months before he proposed, leading those around them to believe they were headed towards a lifelong commitment.

Mere two months after the proposal, insiders disclosed to PEOPLE that Lovato and Ehrich were calling it quits, much to everyone’s surprise.

Ehrich soon took to Instagram to express his shock, revealing that he learned of their breakup alongside the rest of the world.

“Imagine finding out about the status of your relationship through a tabloid. While you’re in the middle of filming a biopic movie about a Pastor in a Christian Church aimed at helping people,” he lamented in his Instagram Stories.

Jennie Garth

Dave Abrams and Jennie Garth.

Jennie Garth and her husband Dave Abrams enjoyed nearly a decade of ups and downs, as is typical in many marriages.

After tying the knot in 2015, they experienced a 10-month separation before embrace a reconciliation, only for Abrams to file for divorce in 2018—a move that caught Garth completely off-guard when she learned through media coverage.

Garth shared her feelings about that shocking experience, stating, “I found out that he filed for divorce from TMZ.”

Ultimately, the couple reconciled, with Garth incorporating their tumultuous journey into a storyline for BH90210, transforming their heartache into creative inspiration.

Drake Bell

Janet Von Schmeling and Drake Bell.

Tasia Wells/WireImage

On April 21, 2023, Janet Von Schmeling formally filed for divorce from Drake Bell just a week after he was reported missing and endangered in Florida; fortunately, he was later found unharmed.

Despite the gravity of the situation, Bell appeared unfazed, casually tweeting, “I found out my wife filed for divorce from TMZ … check out my new song,” showcasing a mix of nonchalance and professionalism in the face of adversity.

Interview‌ with Relationship Expert, Dr. Emma Collins, ⁢on Celebrity Breakups and⁣ Public Exposure

Editor:⁢ Welcome, Dr. Collins! Thank⁤ you for joining us today to discuss the emotional turmoil that comes with ‍breakups, especially for ⁢celebrities who often find​ out ‌about ⁣their own relationship ‍endings through the media.

Dr. Collins: Thank you for having⁤ me! It’s ​definitely a ⁢pressing topic.

Editor: We’ve ⁤seen ⁤cases like Minnie​ Driver, who ​learned ‌about her split from Matt ⁢Damon during ⁤a live‍ broadcast on⁤ The Oprah ⁢Winfrey Show. How does⁣ this​ kind of public revelation impact individuals emotionally?

Dr. Collins: It can be incredibly disorienting. The process ⁤of a breakup is‍ already ⁣complex, filled with feelings​ of loss and confusion. Discovering ⁣your relationship has ended through the media ⁤can⁣ intensify‌ those feelings, adding layers of humiliation and betrayal. For ​Minnie, ⁤it must have felt​ as if her‌ emotional experience was hijacked, thrust into⁢ the ⁤public eye without any ‌control.

Editor: Just recently, Brianna ⁤“Chickenfry” ‌LaPaglia ⁢expressed her ⁣devastation when she⁣ learned about her breakup​ with Zach‍ Bryan from social media, just like Rita Ora did when Calvin Harris tweeted their split. ⁤What can ‍be done ⁤to manage the emotional fallout?

Dr. Collins:⁢ The first step is⁣ to prioritize self-care. It’s‌ essential for anyone going⁤ through a ​public breakup to seek⁢ emotional support from friends, family, or a ‌therapist. Processing the breakup privately can help⁤ them navigate feelings⁤ of betrayal‌ and sadness without the added‌ stress of public scrutiny.

Editor: Sophie⁣ Turner​ and Joe Jonas are⁢ another ⁤example; she ⁣found out about their⁢ divorce filings through‍ media reports. Is there a ⁢common thread that you see among⁢ these celebrity breakups?

Dr. Collins: Yes, a recurring theme⁢ is the lack of‍ clear communication. When relationships⁤ become public, the pressure to handle ‌personal​ matters discreetly can be overwhelming. Ultimately, this ‍highlights the importance of⁤ direct communication in‌ relationships—especially during difficult times. Avoiding surprises like these is crucial for emotional closure.

Editor: How⁤ might these public breakups affect the way others, especially younger fans, view relationships?

Dr. Collins: Public relationships serve as a model for ⁣many,‌ and ⁣when they follow​ a tumultuous path, it can lead to a ⁤skewed perception of love and commitment. It’s essential for fans to understand that these public personas‍ dominate the way relationships look from the outside, which is often ⁣very different from the⁣ reality. Open dialogue around healthy relationship⁢ habits can help counteract this.

Editor: Lastly, what advice ⁤would you give to people navigating⁣ any breakup—celebrity or ​not?

Dr. Collins: Focus on healing. Allow ​yourself to feel your emotions, seek‍ support, and give yourself grace. ⁢Breakups are a part of ​life, but experiencing ​them constructively can lead to personal ​growth in the​ end. And remember, it’s important to communicate‍ openly with partners, regardless of the ​circumstances.

Editor: Thank you, Dr.‍ Collins, for your insights⁢ on⁣ navigating these complicated emotions​ during breakups. It’s ⁤a challenging experience made even more difficult when thrust into the limelight.

Dr. Collins: My pleasure! It’s ‍vital to address ⁤these ‌feelings, and I hope we can open up conversations around‍ healthy ‌relationships.

The experience of discovering a breakup through media affect a person’s future relationships?

Dr. Collins: Discovering a breakup through the media can lead to trust issues in future relationships. The emotional turmoil from such an experience may leave individuals feeling vulnerable and hesitant to open up. They might fear that their personal experiences will once again be laid bare for public judgment. This can create barriers to forming close connections, as individuals could struggle with feelings of insecurity or anxiety about being blindsided in the future. Re-establishing trust requires time, open communication, and a supportive partner who can provide reassurance and understanding.

Editor: It sounds like nurturing open lines of communication is essential, not just for processing the current breakup but also for building stronger relationships in the long term. How can someone work on this aspect in their next relationship?

Dr. Collins: Absolutely, open communication is vital. To foster this in future relationships, individuals can prioritize establishing clear expectations with their partners. Regular check-ins about feelings, boundaries, and the health of the relationship can also help. Engaging in honest conversations about past experiences, including any trust issues that arose from previous relationships, can create a stronger foundation. Additionally, working on self-awareness and emotional intelligence can aid each partner in expressing their needs and feelings more openly, ultimately leading to a healthier relationship dynamic.

Editor: Thank you, Dr. Collins, for sharing your insights on the emotional effects of celebrity breakups and the importance of communication in navigating personal relationships. Your expertise sheds light on how public breakups can have a profound impact on individuals and their future bonding experiences.

Dr. Collins: Thank you for having me! It’s important that we continue to explore these emotional aspects and support one another through the complexities of love and loss, both in public and private spheres.