Kevin Costner 'Had Strong Suspicions' About His Ex-Wife And His Banker Friend's Romance

Hollywood star Kevin Costner’s ex-wife, Christine Baumgartner, and his banker friend, Josh Connor, have been dating openly for a while and have been spotted together in public.

While it was only recently revealed that they were seeing each other, reports have swirled that the Oscar winner had “strong suspicions” about their romance before his split with Baumgartner.

Almost half a year has gone by since Costner and Baumgartner ended their 19 years of marriage after several months of battle in court. Following their split, Costner has been linked with singer Jewel, while Baumgartner was confirmed to be dating Josh Connor, a wealthy financier.

However, according to an Us Weekly report, Costner “had strong suspicions” that his ex-wife and her new beau had something going on while they were still figuring out their split.

A source revealed that the new couple's “close [bond] was a real elephant in the room” during that period, as they were even spotted together enjoying a sun-kissed vacation in Hawaii in July last year.

This belief seems to align with Costner's comments during the divorce proceedings back in August 2023, when he claimed he “does not know for a fact” if Baumgartner had “extramarital' affairs.”

While it's unclear whether the suspicions are true or not, the insider thinks Baumgartner is unconcerned about what Costner thinks. They say she believes that  since the “Yellowstone” star has moved on, he should not have “anything to complain about.”

“Josh has been Christine's rock throughout the divorce ordeal. If Kevin has a problem with that, that's on him,” the source said.

They further explained that Baumgartner, who has been a long-time close friend of Connor, only saw their connection evolve into a romantic relationship "relatively recently."

Meanwhile, Baumgartner had denied having something with Conn0r during the divorce proceedings as the court sought to validate claims of possible infidelity. However, she did acknowledge taking a $20,000 loan from the investor and had already repaid $10,000.

Since Baumgartner’s relationship with Connor came to light, the duo have been spotted together in public.

The two stay less than 5 minutes apart, which makes it unsurprising that they are often seen popping in and out of each other’s house. Recently, she was seen in her Range Rover giving Connor a lift to his home, and later that same day, Connor dropped by Baumgartner's home for a brief visit.

Although it is unclear when their relationship started, reports suggest that  Baumgartner and Connor have been together for a while.

“They're together, and they have been for a while. They spent time before Christmas together in Hawaii while Kevin was presumably in Aspen with the kids,” a source said about the duo, who allegedly met through their kids.

“They also made a trip to New York together. She hasn’t been doing much to hide what’s going on from her friends," the source added.

As for Costner, his relationship with singer Jewel is reportedly built on a strong attraction for each other.

"The relationship between Kevin and Jewel is fresh but not brand new. There is a very big attraction on both sides," a source told People magazine in December.

"Jewel likes Kevin’s type, and Kevin likes to be in a relationship, so this is cool," the source noted, "He is having fun after his contentious divorce. He is glad that is over.”

Pictures of Jewel and Costner have swirled online since speculations began about them being together. One of the photos captured Jewel holding a microphone and speaking to guests at her private tennis fundraiser while seemingly seated on Costner's lap. In the cute shot, Costner also had his arms wrapped around Jewel's waist in an affectionate way.

A second picture featured Jewel, Costner, and some other guests posing together for the camera on Richard Branson’s Necker Island in the British Virgin Islands, where the fundraiser was held. Branson is reportedly the one who played the part of matchmaker for the actor and his new girlfriend.