Meet Natalie Portman’s Ex-Husband, Benjamin Millepied; Did Infidelity End Their 11-Year Marriage?

Natalie Portman is soon stepping into a new journey into motherhood, as she expects her first child with her new partner, Tanguy Destable. At 44, the Oscar-winning actress is over the moon with her third pregnancy, and her face has a different kind of glow that has been missing for the last few years. 

Natalie’s happy news comes nearly two years after her quiet but widely discussed divorce from her ex-husband, Benjamin Millepied. While the actress has largely stayed private about the split, insiders say the divorce has been anything but smooth. With her third pregnancy, the old speculations have returned about Natalie and Benjamin’s private split, as have the claims of infidelity that have followed the former spouses.

Who is Natalie Portman’s ex-husband, Benjamin Millepied?

Benjamin Millepied, 48, is a French dancer and choreographer who also founded the famous L.A. Dance Project. He is best known for his work with the New York City Ballet and for choreographing Darren Aronofsky’s Black Swan (2010), where he met Natalie Portman. He is a renowned figure in contemporary ballet, though he prefers to lie low when it comes to the media spotlight. However, his split from the May December actress keeps earning him attention, especially given his alleged affair with a 25-year-old during the marriage.

Natalie Portman and Benjamin Millepied’s love story began with Black Swan

As mentioned earlier, Natalie and Benjamin first met in 2009 on the set of Black Swan, where the latter was a choreographer, and she starred in her Oscar-winning role. It didn’t take them long to form a loving bond, and by late 2010, they were engaged and expecting their first child. The couple dated for a while and got married in 2012.

Natalie and Benjamin welcomed their first child, Aleph Millepied, in June 2011, and he is now 14 years old. Their second child, a daughter, Amalia Millepied, was born in February 2017 and is now 9 years old. Both parents have been quite protective about their children’s privacy, though the actress occasionally mentions them in her interviews.

Did infidelity lead to their divorce?

Natalie and Benjamin made a great couple, and despite their lack of PDA moments, the industry knew them as one of its more private and stable couples. However, the turning point in their marriage came in 2023, when reports surfaced alleging the French choreographer’s extramarital affair. Hollywood’s gossip circles boomed with the alleged “open secret” about a 25-year-old woman whom Benjamin was rumoured to be seeing. 

In June 2023, Page Six reported that Natalie and Benjamin’s marriage was at risk due to the latter’s alleged infidelity. The outlet reported that the spouses had been living separately since 2022 but still “managed to work through their relationship”. It all changed when the Jackie star found out about her husband’s affair. The outlet reported:

“They have not split and are trying to work things out. Ben is doing everything he can to get Natalie to forgive him. He loves her and their family. She is incredibly private. Her biggest focus right now is protecting the kids.”

While neither Natalie nor Benjamin publicly confirmed the claims, multiple reports suggested that the actress was “devastated” and “humiliated” by the situation. Several outlets later reported that the alleged affair was short-lived, and it was over, and the couple was trying to work on their marriage. Their children became a priority, and sources said Benjamin didn’t want the kids to grow up in a broken family, adding, “Right now, they are talking and working on it together for the sake of their children.”

While Benjamin deeply regretted his momentary lapse and the pair tried to work things out, insiders later claimed that “the damage was done” and that Natalie ultimately couldn’t move past the betrayal. Us Weekly’s sources reported in 2023:

“After news of his affair came out, they’ve been trying to work on their marriage, but are currently on the outs.”

After months of hushed talks about Benjamin’s infidelity, Natalie filed for divorce in July 2023, and it was finalised in February 2024 in France, where the actress had been living with the children. This ended their 11 years of marriage, and it was painful for both, as the love was still there.

How is Natalie and Benjamin’s dynamic now?

While the exact details of what ended Natalie and Benjamin’s marriage remain private, the timeline suggests that the allegations of infidelity played a significant role in their split. Despite the emotional fallout from their divorce, the former spouses have developed a cordial co-parenting relationship for their kids.

Meet Natalie Portman’s new partner, Tanguy Destable

Natalie Portman’s new partner, Tanguy Destable, is a well-known French musician who performs under the stage name Tepr. He released his debut album in 2015 and has collaborated with prominent artists like Woodkid. Destable also performed at the 2016 Rio Olympics and has since released albums including Technosensible, Dance Works 2015–2018, and La nuit se traine. According to French outlet Voici, he and Portman reportedly began dating in March 2025. Before his relationship with Portman, Destable was married to French actress Louise Bourgoin, with whom he shared two kids.

Seeing Natalie Portman’s newfound glow after heartbreak and betrayal has been a fresh change for fans and colleagues alike. Congratulations to the parents-to-be.

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