LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Amidst rumors of an alleged affair, Natalie Portman's husband, Benjamin Millepied, is reported to be making efforts to salvage their marriage. The news broke just days after the couple was seen together, seemingly unaffected by the speculations surrounding their relationship. The pair were captured sharing a romantic kiss while socializing with friends, including director Todd Haynes, in Paris on May 29, following the premiere of Portman's film 'May December' at the Cannes Film Festival.
Millepied's alleged affair with a 25-year-old woman was first brought to light by the French outlet Voici. Sources indicate that despite the alleged affair, Portman and Millepied are still together. An insider described the alleged transgression as a "short-lived" and "enormous mistake," stating that Millepied is fully aware of the gravity of his actions and is working towards rebuilding trust with Portman.
Natalie Portman and Benjamin Millepied's relationship under strain
During the outing on May 29, Portman appeared cheerful and engaged in conversation with Todd Haynes, while Millepied interacted with another woman. The couple's marriage reportedly faced prior challenges, leading to a temporary separation last year. However, the recent discovery of the alleged affair in March has once again tested the stability of their relationship.
Complicating matters further, photographs from France have surfaced, showing Millepied in the company of climate activist Camille Étienne, who is 25 years old. While Portman and Millepied are said to be trying to work through their issues, Portman's primary focus remains on protecting their children. Portman and Millepied are "trying to work things out" at he moment, a source told Page Six. "Ben is doing everything he can to get Natalie to forgive him. He loves her and their family." Portman is "incredibly private" about matters involving her marriage. "Her biggest focus right now is protecting the kids," the source added.
Alleged affair surfaces amidst filming of 'May December'
Portman and Millepied first met on the set of the film "Black Swan" in 2009, where Millepied served as a choreographer and dancer. They got engaged in 2010 and tied the knot in 2012. The couple has two children together, a son named Aleph and a daughter named Amalia. The alleged affair is said to have been discovered by Portman two months prior to the recent revelations. Voici published photos showing Millepied and Étienne separately entering his office on May 24, just days before his public displays of affection with Portman.
The turmoil in their relationship seemingly spilled over onto the set of Portman's upcoming film 'May December.' During the 23-day shoot in November 2022, it was reportedly an open secret that Portman and Millepied were facing marital challenges. The film, which also stars Julianne Moore and Charles Melton, explores a married couple's struggle when their controversial relationship with a much younger man is exposed.
