Josh Duhamel Reveals The Real Reason Behind His Failed Marriage To Fergie

Josh Duhamel is speaking out about his lifestyle and how it contributed to the collapse of his marriage to Fergie.

The former couple parted ways in September 2017 following an eight-year marriage. Of course, their shared treasure -- son Axl -- remains a central focus for both, even as the actor has returned to his North Dakota roots. 

In contemplating their relationship centered in Hollywood, returning to his childhood home was instrumental in rediscovering that sense of normalcy.

The 50-year-old sat down with Graham Bensinger and opened up about the stressful breakup. 

During their candid conversation, the "Life as We Know It" star revealed that part of the reason behind their separation was that the glitzy Hollywood lifestyle did not align with him. It led them to naturally drift apart as he said in his own words, "I think we kind of outgrew each other and had very different interests."

The "All My Children" actor, now expecting a child with his new wife Audra Mari, disclosed, "I don't think I ever really got comfortable with all of it. It was just a lot. I just missed the simplicity of who I really am, you know?" 

Hailing from Minot, North Dakota, he explained further why the flashy living was not for him, stating, "I'm just not a guy who is comfortable going to red carpets. Doing all the Hollywood stuff. I don't hate it, I'm better at it now than I was, but it just took me a long time to really feel like I belong, like I fit in." 

He pointed out that living in North Dakota provided him with a sanctuary to reconnect with his roots and rediscover the simple joys and passions that initially drew him to nature and the outdoors while being creative. 

The father-of-one, once again, voiced a cautionary note about the potentially soul-draining nature of the Hollywood lifestyle: "You know Hollywood and L.A. and that whole lifestyle can suck the soul out of you if you're not careful." 

Additionally, Duhamel highlighted how their shared experience of childhood divorce influenced their harmonious approach to co-parenting. Fans will recall that in 2019, the pair reached an agreement for joint custody of their 10-year-old. 

Notably, neither party was responsible for child support payments because, as outlined in their divorce settlement, obtained by The Blast, both parents could comfortably provide for Axl independently. 

According to the document, "Both parties are capable of supporting the child. The child support agreed to by the Parties is below the guideline. The parties have made the necessary declarations pursuant (to the law) for the Court to approve their stipulation for child support below the guideline formula." 

In other words, they are splitting the costs of everything.

It also indicated that the court decided not to issue a formal child support order, leaving the possibility of revisiting this decision. The "Battle Creek" star and the Black Eyed Peas singer collectively decided that "the Court's jurisdiction to award spousal or award support to either Petitioner or Respondent is terminated."

They also privately settled issues like "child custody and support, spousal support, division of community property, and connection of separate property." 

The 48-year-old star showed she was the epitome of grace when she joyfully acknowledged the excellent news of another addition to the family. It was observed that the "London Bridge" singer warmly commented on Mari's post sharing the exciting news. 

The Miss World America 2016 scarlet nails cradled a sonogram of her soon-to-arrive bundle of joy alongside a delicate flower stem. Her caption, full of anticipation, read, "Baby Duhamel coming soon ?." The "Glamorous" artist expressed her genuine joy in the comments, writing:

"I am truly happy for you guys?? Axl can't wait to be a big brother."

Fergie's comment echoed the one she wrote when the parents-to-be announced their engagement in January 2022. At the time, the "Safe Haven" star celebrated the pageant queen's 28th birthday with a surprise proposal that consisted of a bottle with a note that read, "Audra Diane Mari, will you marry me?"

In the post captioned, "It's on!! She found a message in a bottle that washed ashore and said YES!! @audramari," the newly engaged could not hide their happiness. Apart from an outpouring of congratulations from thousands of well-wishers, the "Big Girls Don't Cry" artist joined in by enthusiastically stating, "Congrats!!!" alongside green heart emojis.