Natalie Portman Finalizes Divorce After Low-Key Separation From Estranged Husband

Natalie Portman is officially a single woman following the end of her 11-year marriage to Benjamin Millepied.

The "Black Swan" actress quietly filed for divorce in July 2023 amid rumors her director/choreographer beau had been unfaithful. At the time, the former couple did not address the speculations and were reportedly working on their relationship.

Despite rumors of Portman and Millepied's reconciliation, their once-blossoming love did not survive the alleged infidelity trial. A rep for the Hollywood sensation confirmed their decision to separate was finalized last month.

The duo concluded their divorce proceedings in France, where they live with their children — 12-year-old son Aleph and 7-year-old daughter Amalia. Settling their low-key separation, especially with the media's attention on Millepied's alleged infidelity, was reportedly difficult for Portman.

"It was initially really tough for her, but her friends rallied around her and helped get her through the worst of it," a friend of the couple confessed to PEOPLE, adding:

"Natalie is coming out of a really tough and painful year, but she's come out the other side of it stronger and is finding joy in her family, friends, and work."

Like their divorce, neither Portman nor Millepied have publicly addressed the speculations about their marriage. When asked about the viral gossip in a February interview, the "Thor" actress dismissed the question, saying: "It's terrible, and I have no desire to contribute to it."

From the start, the former couple's goal has been their children and helping them navigate this new phase. The pair have been spotted on various occasions showing a united front as a family since Millepied's extramarital affair allegations began in 2023.

The insider echoed similar sentiments about the duo's goals, noting that Portman's "biggest priority has been ensuring a smooth transition for her children." The source continued:

"She and Ben really love their kids and are equally focused on being the best co-parents they can be. Nothing is more important."

Nonetheless, Portman remains heartbroken about the divorce as she never envisioned they would part this way when they said their vows on August 4, 2012. The former couple's pal noted the actress is hurt but ready to embrace a new chapter.

"Natalie hoped her marriage would be forever," the duo's pal claimed. "But she is at peace with where they are and now focused on their new normal as a family."

Last July, a source claimed Portman wasn't giving up on her 11-year marriage to Millepied but had strict rules in place.

They explained the "May December" actress refused to repeat the infidelity scenario and that her then-beau was willing to do whatever it took to win her back.

"There's obviously going to be conditions, and apparently, he's fine with whatever rules she wants. If he messes up again, she'll likely pull the plug," the insider said.

At the time, there was little information about Millepied's alleged affair, but it reportedly involved 25-year-old Camille Étienne.

The choreographer and the young woman allegedly had a short-lived fling, which the source claimed Portman was willing to move past. In their words: "Natalie believes Benjamin's affair was a brief and stupid liaison that means nothing to him."

Millepied allegedly begged for a second chance and desperately tried to get back in Portman's good graces by sharing "all his passwords" with her and turning every night into a date night.

The former couple's love began on the set of the 2009 movie, "Black Swan." Millepied joined the team as a trainer, helping Portman prepare for her iconic role as a ballet dancer and to choreograph dance routines for the movie.

The duo's training sessions sent sparks flying between them, and they started dating as soon as the movie's shooting concluded. Portman raved about their instant connection in an interview, per Elle, saying:

"We had a whole, like, he was teaching me to dance. You know, one of those romantic [stories]…It was definitely exciting and fun. It was beautiful. I don't know about instant [love]. It was like I really got to know him, and that was when it seemed like, 'Oh, this is the person.'"

The pair kept their romance low-key for the next year until December 2010, when they suddenly announced their engagement and Portman's pregnancy. Their son Aleph was born on June 14, 2011, then they tied the knot in a Jewish ceremony on August 4, 2012.

Their second child, daughter Amalia, was born on February 22, 2017, and they enjoyed more peaceful years until a French outlet called Voici alleged that Milliepied had an affair in June 2023.