Love stories in Hollywood often captivate the public, and Jodie Turner-Smith and former teen heartthrob Joshua Jackson were no exception. The duo’s journey from a low-profile romance to becoming a Hollywood power couple was rather interesting. Unfortunately, their blossoming love quickly withered, and Jodie Turner-Smith filed for divorce from Joshua Jackson. Let’s delve into the timeline of their relationship, from the initial sparks to the ultimate breakdown of their marriage.
HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 14: Jodie Turner-Smith and Joshua Jackson attend the “Queen & Slim” Premiere at AFI FEST 2019 presented by Audi at the TCL Chinese Theatre on November 14, 2019 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Michael Kovac/Getty Images for AFI)
The love story of Jodie Turner-Smith, a British actress, and Joshua Jackson, a Canadian actor, began in 2018. The pair were all over each other at Usher’s 40th birthday party in October of that year. It wasn’t until the next month that the public got a glimpse into the magic that was brewing between them. In November, paparazzi spotted the two out on a coffee date in Los Angeles. The two held hands with smiles on their faces, fanning the flames of a potential love story between them. However, the couple managed to keep their early days of courtship relatively private. Nonetheless, it added an air of mystery to their budding romance, piquing the media’s interest.
2019: Joshua Jackson & Jodie Turner-Smith Have A Secret Wedding
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 13: (L-R) Joshua Jackson and Jodie Turner-Smith attend the 27th Annual Critics Choice Awards at Fairmont Century Plaza on March 13, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Amy Sussman/Getty Images for Critics Choice Association)
In August 2019, Joshua Jackson and Jodie Turner-Smith were spotted leaving a California courthouse with what looked to be a marriage license. Although the two neither denied nor confirmed this news, fans of the actors were understandably excited. The marriage rumors seemed to have been confirmed three months later. However, when the couple made their first red carpet-appearance together at the L.A. premiere of Queen & Slim, Turner-Smith sported a massive diamond ring on her left hand.
This public outing served as a confirmation of their relationship, sparking excitement and curiosity among fans and the media alike. Us Weekly soon confirmed that Jodie and Joshua had secretly tied the knot. Recalling the night when the two got engaged, Joshua Jackson told Jimmy Fallon on The Tonight Show that Jodie was the one who had popped the question. “She asked me on New Year’s Eve. We were in Nicaragua,” he said. “We were walking down the beach, and she asked me to marry her.” While this raised eyebrows, others raved at the uniqueness of their proposal.
In January, Jodie Turner-Smith was seen sporting a baby bump. The couple announced in March that they were expecting a daughter. Throughout the pregnancy, Turner-Smith and Joshua Jackson continued to share glimpses of their journey on social media. The actress also posted a beautiful nude pregnancy photoshoot on her Instagram. In April 2020, the couple welcomed their daughter into the world. Over the next three years, they were inseparable at major Hollywood events. From the MET Gala and Critic’s Choice Awards, to the Vanity Fair Oscars Afterparty, and even New York Fashion Week, Joshua Jackson and Jodie Turner-Smith were attached at the hip.
October 2023: Joshua Jackson And Jodie Turner-Smith Call It Quits
On October 2, 2023, Jodie filed for a divorce at the L.A. Superior Court. This came after three years of marriage to Joshua Jackson. The actress cited irreconcilable differences as grounds for the divorce. She also requested that the court grant the two joint custody of their daughter.
An inside source revealed to People that: “They are on very different paths in life… It turned into an unhealthy marriage that made her unhappy. They will co-parent their daughter. They want her to continue to thrive.” Although the divorce has not been finalized, Joshua Jackson has begun a new romance with Lupita Nyong’o, who also went through a breakup of her own not long ago. Photos of the actors together holding hands confirmed their relationship.
Throughout 2023, there have been many surprising celebrity breakups. The year seems to have a few more surprises in store. Deion Sanders and Tracy Edmonds have now also, unexpectedly called it quits on their relationship. As of this moment, it’s still a wonder why Sanders and Edmonds have called off their engagement after being together for over a decade. Nonetheless, as the story develops, here’s a view of the pair’s relationship timeline.
2012: Deion Sanders & Tracey Edmonds Meet
PARK CITY, UTAH – JANUARY 22: Tracey Edmonds and Deion Sanders attend Aflac’s “The Park Bench” Twitch Premiere event at The St. Regis Deer Valley on January 22, 2022, in Park City, Utah. Aflac debuted “The Park Bench” film as part of its Close the Gap initiative to help close the health and wealth gap in America. (Photo by Fred Hayes/Getty Images for Aflac)
Deion Sanders and Tracey Edmonds, now both 56 years old, are accomplished veterans in their respective fields of sports and entertainment. Sanders, a former NFL player and head coach at the University Of Colorado Boulder, and Edmonds, a prominent executive producer in Hollywood. Their paths were unlikely to cross very often though but the overlap of sports and entertainment allowed them to frequent similar circles. In early 2012, Sanders attended the premiere of a movie Edmonds had produced. During the event, they got acquainted with each other, and that unlikely meeting was the catalyst of their eventual romance. Before the event ended that night, Sanders got a hold of Edmonds’ business card. Soon after, he reached out to her.
When Deion Sanders asked for Edmonds’ business card, it’s unclear if he did so already knowing he liked her. What is clear, however, is that he intended to have her work on a show he had an idea for. The two eventually met up to have breakfast and discuss Sanders’ ideas for the show that would end up becoming Deion’s Family Playbook. Subsequently, in 2021, Edmonds shared with PEOPLE, “I started off thinking I was just going to produce [the show]. But as I started working with Deion on the show, we grew quite fond of each other and ended up dating.”
2014 – 2015: Deion’s Family Playbook
The reality TV show aired on the Oprah Winfrey Network for three seasons from March 2014 to May 2015. While it was primarily focused on Deion Sanders, Tracey Edmonds also starred in the show. She had become an important part of Sanders’ life at the time, so it was only natural for her to appear in it. Audiences got to see glimpses of the couple’s relationship throughout the show’s three seasons. In addition to starring in Deion’s Family Playbook, Edmonds and Sanders are both credited as executive producers on the show.
2019: The Couple Get Engaged
PASADENA, CA – JANUARY 09: Deion Sanders, Talent and Executive Producer and Tracey Edmonds, Talent and Executive Producer speak onstage during the ‘OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network – Deion’s Family Playbook’ panel discussion at the Discovery Communications portion of the 2014 Winter Television Critics Association tour at the Langham Hotel on January 9, 2014 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images)
Following the end of Deion’s Family Playbook, a couple of years went by, and the their relationship remained stable. They took things to the next level in February 2019 when they got engaged. In a now-deleted Instagram post, Edmonds’ caption read: “Happy Valentine’s Day Fam! Sending LOVE to MY LOVE/MY FIANCÉ @deionsanders! God is SO GOOD! We’re 8 years in, made it through the storms TOGETHER, and will be spending the rest of our lives TOGETHER! To all the couples out there… stay REAL with each other, LISTEN to each other, and MOST of all.. keep LOVE and GOD in your heart. When you do, you can make it through ANY storm! Spread LOVE and JOY on this day!”
UNIVERSAL CITY, CA – FEBRUARY 18: Tracey Edmonds (L) and Deion Sanders visit “Extra” at Universal Studios Hollywood on February 18, 2015 in Universal City, California. (Photo by Noel Vasquez/Getty Images)
Through the pandemic and afterward, their love for each other remained intact. However, the pair’s conflicting schedules made it so they didn’t get to spend much time together. For the most part, they didn’t seem to mind, and graciously dealt with the implications. About their frequent separation, Sanders told PEOPLE, “It’s not just a separation because you want to be separated, it’s a separation because you are active and you are really influencing lives.”
On Sunday, December 3, 2023, Tracey Edmonds announced that her engagement with Deion Sanders had been called off. Without a doubt, this is one of the most surprising breakups of the year as there were no signs of turmoil in the pair’s relationship. The announcement came out of left field, and audiences have been left wondering what exactly happened between the two.
Edmonds’s Instagram post contained a long caption that reads as follows: “To EVERYONE who has been there for us, supported us, and shown us love…We have mutually decided that it is best for us to move forward in life AS FRIENDS and have made this decision with love in our hearts, respect for each other, and appreciation for the time we’ve shared together. Please keep us in your prayers as we go through this transition. Thank you for being there for us ALL THESE YEARS! We love you and appreciate you SO MUCH!”
While Sanders did not make a post of his own, he responded in the comments of Edmonds’ post. “Love u Tracey and You’ve been a true blessing to me. I appreciate the times we’ve shared and they laughs we’ve had. You are an amazing woman and a tremendous mother. God bless u with every endeavor and every step u take. You are HER,” he wrote. There’s no bad blood, but it’s still a punch in the gut to onlookers.
Without a doubt, Teyana Taylor and Iman Shumpert’s breakup is one of the most surprising celebrity breakups of 2023. Over the years, the two have grown in prominence in their respective fields of entertainment and sports. Additionally, they have come to be seen and regarded as a unit. This is especially valid, considering that they have been married for seven years, and started dating well before tying the knot. Furthermore, the former couple welcomed two children during their time together. All things considered, their separation is not something fans saw coming, and it left many of their supporters heartbroken. While their divorce is yet to be finalized, here’s what we know of their separation so far.
News of the pair’s separation first broke on September 17, 2023. The information was shared by Teyana Taylor via an Instagram post with a detailed caption. Before she shared said Instagram post, there had been rumors and speculations of a breakup. Admittedly, that much was true, even though it was yet to be confirmed to the general public. However, in the midst of it all, there were false narratives that had begun to spread. As a result, Taylor felt the need to debunk the rumors, while informing the public that they had, in fact, separated. The Instagram post Teyana Taylor shared was a picture of herself with Iman Shumpert. In it, they stood side by side, holding up the peace sign with both hands. In addition, it was accompanied by a long caption addressing her followers, and whoever else would come across the post.
“AHT AHT! Not too much on my bestie! In all fairness, Iman and I are separated and have been for a while. To be 1000% clear, ‘infidelity’ ain’t one of the reasons for our departure. We are still the best of friends, great business partners, and are one hell of a team when it comes to co-parenting our 2 beautiful children,” she wrote. Taylor rounded off her informal statement, writing, “The only reason I’m even sharing THIS part of the chat is because the narratives are getting a little out of hand & it’s unfair to all parties involved. I hope this provided some clarity for y’all. Okay AunTey taking y’all back out the chat bye!”
November 2023: The Secret Move Is Leaked
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – FEBRUARY 14: Teyana Taylor and Iman Shumpert attend The Compound and Luxury Watchmaker Roger Dubuis Hosts NBA All-Star Dinner at STK Chicago on February 14, 2020 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Robin Marchant/Getty Images for Roger Dubuis)
On November 22, 2023, additional information that was meant to be concealed, saw the light of day. After obtaining new legal documents, TMZ broke the news that Teyana Taylor secretly moved to end her marriage with Iman Shumpert. According to the documents, the “Gonna Love Me” singer made the move to divorce Shumpert in January 2023. Furthermore, details from the documents allege that the former basketball player was “treating her cruelly and displaying extreme narcissistic behavior throughout the majority of their marriage.”
In detail, Taylor accused him of being jealous of her fame, and feeling insecure about being with her. Sources tell TMZ that Taylor initially wanted to keep the case private for as long as possible. They shared that the singer used initials when she first filed the case. However, Shumpert allegedly opted to use their full names in his recent filing in the divorce proceedings. As a result, their identities were no longer hidden.
Subsequently, two days after the news broke, Taylor addressed it via an Instagram story. The content of the story read as follows: “I mind my business, don’t bother nobody & y’all know I’ve never played about my children, family & our privacy. I have not spoken on this private matter to any media outlets or blogs etc. So, everyone claiming ‘Teyana said’ didn’t get any statements directly from ME.”
She continued by expressing her hurt over her privacy being breached. “These statements were taken from private court documents that were leaked to the public. It is very heartbreaking that someone would take out the time to make such a private matter public for the world to see. However, protecting my family is one thing I’ve ALWAYS done for my children I will continue to do so. Please if y’all love y’all play nieces Junie & Rue like y’all have shown, please allow my self& my family some privacy to resolve this matter in peace. Love y’all.” So far, there have been no more statements from either party.
In the fast-paced world of entertainment, celebrity breakups are often inevitable. Whether the couple don’t really make the best match, or they just aren’t happy together anymore, parting ways is a regular part of life, famous or not. However, some celebrity breakups completely catch you off guard. After all, how can one predict that a seemingly happy couple would ever separate?
Well, fans and the media have been caught unaware quite a few times in 2023. Admittedly, in celebrity culture, breakups are a dime a dozen. However, there are some couples you can’t help but envision together for a long time. Even if they would eventually go their separate ways, 2023 wasn’t the year we thought it would happen. Between the adorable pairing of Damson Idris and Lori Harvey and the shocking revelations about Keke Palmer’s relationship with Darius Jackson, here are seven of the most surprising celebrity breakups of 2023.
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – MAY 15: Kylie Jenner and Travis Scott attend the 2022 Billboard Music Awards at MGM Grand Garden Arena on May 15, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)
Travis Scott and Kylie Jenner have been sweethearts since they started dating in 2017. However, as most people know, their relationship was far from perfect, and they experienced a few bumps along the way. The couple first broke up in October 2019, after about two years of dating and welcoming their first child, Stormi. Despite their time apart, the flames of their love still burned brightly. This was aided by the fact that they remained friendly and saw each other often because of their daughter.
Subsequently, they got back together in 2021 and soon after, welcomed their second child. Evidently, things seemed to be back on track for the two. This is why it was particularly shocking when it was revealed that they had separated once again. It is unknown when the pair actually split, but the news didn’t make it to the public until January 2023. As a result, it marked one of the first celebrity breakups of the year. Both stars have since moved on to other people.
6. Eva Marcille & Michael Sterling
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – DECEMBER 18: Eva Marcille and Michael Sterling attend 38th Annual Atlanta UNCF Mayor’s Masked Ball at Atlanta Marriott Marquis on December 18, 2021 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images)
Real Housewives of Atlanta alum Eva Marcille and her now-former husband, Michael Sterling, were married for over four years. The couple tied the knot in October 2018 and have built a family since then, with two sons shared by them and a daughter from Marcille’s last marriage. Surprisingly, in March 2023, the actress and model filed for a divorce. Following her decision, Marcille shared with People, “This has been one of the hardest decisions I have ever had to make, but sometimes life takes your journey in a direction you were not expecting. Our children remain our biggest priority and the eight and half years we have spent together will always be cherished. We ask that you respect our privacy at this time.”
5. Jodie Turner-Smith & Joshua Jackson
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 13: (L-R) Joshua Jackson and Jodie Turner-Smith attend the 27th Annual Critics Choice Awards at Fairmont Century Plaza on March 13, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images)
After meeting at Jackson’s birthday bash in 2018, these two became a couple just a few months later. By late 2019, they were married, welcoming their son in April 2020. Afterward, the couple seemed to be doing just fine, and they were often seen together. While there were rumors of a breakup in 2022, it proved to be unfounded. The duo remained together, even attending the Oscars as a couple in March 2023. However, some months later, those rumors may have held some truth after all. On October 2, 2023, TMZ shared that Turner-Smith had filed for divorce, and the couple separated on September 13. As far as unsuspecting celebrity breakups go, this one takes the cake.
4. Drew Sidora & Ralph Pittman
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – FEBRUARY 10: Drew Sidora and Ralph Pittman attend the Atlanta screening of Lifetime’s “Line Sisters” at IPIC Theaters at Colony Square on February 10, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images)
This year has seen the end of a few relationships from RHOA alumni, but this is arguably the most surprising. After eight years of marriage, Drew Sidora and Ralph Pittman split up in February 2023. When a couple stays together as long as these two did, it’s only natural to expect them to go all the way together. However, time is not a measure of happiness, and there must have been valid reasons for their separation.
While speaking with Us Weekly, a rep for Sidora shared, “For three years, the Pittmans’ welcomed millions of viewers into their home as they struggled to repair their marriage. Despite undeniable differences, they agree that their marriage is irretrievably broken and are going their separate ways.” This is one of those celebrity breakups that resulted despite both parties trying to save their relationship.
3. Damson Idris & Lori Harvey
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 15: (L-R) Lori Harvey and Damson Idris attend the Red Carpet Premiere Event for the Sixth and Final Season of FX’s “Snowfall” at Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, Ted Mann Theater on February 15, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Amy Sussman/GA/The Hollywood Reporter via Getty Images)
One of the most desirable couples in recent memory, Damson Idris and Lori Harvey started dating in late 2022. While they only lasted a year, their split comes as a massive surprise because all year long, they were all over each other. As such, there were absolutely no signs of an impending breakup. However, in a joint statement to The Hollywood Reporter in November, the two shared, “We are at a point in our lives where our individual paths require our full attention and dedication. We part ways remaining friends with nothing but love and respect for each other and the time we shared together.”
ATLANTA, GA – SEPTEMBER 03: Teyana Taylor and Iman Shumpert attend Luda birthday celebration at Compound on September 3, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Prince Williams/WireImage)
On September 17, 2023, Teyana Taylor shared that she and her now-former husband Iman Shumpert had been separated for months. The reason for the post was so the model and coach could put an end to several baseless rumors that were flying around. Evidently, even while certifying that they are indeed no longer a couple, Taylor made it clear that she and Shumpert are still a family, no matter what. “Not too much on my bestie!” she began.
“In all fairness, Iman and I are separated and have been for a while. To be 1000% clear, “infidelity” ain’t one of the reasons for our departure. We are still the best of friends, great business partners and are one hell of a team when it comes to co-parenting our 2 beautiful children. Most importantly we are FAMILY & in the 10yrs together, 7yrs married we ain’t ever played with or about THAT.”
From Taylor’s words, it’s clear that the two still love each other and maintain a cordial relationship. However, their separation is still a heavy blow for fans who have followed their relationship since 2014. Along with being one of the most surprising, this is among the most painful celebrity breakups of the year.
1. Keke Palmer & Darius Jackson
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – APRIL 29: (L-R) Keke Palmer, Leo Jackson, and Darius Jackson attend the “Big Boss” Closing Night Screening during the 2023 Atlanta Film Festival at Rialto Center for the Arts at Georgia State University on April 29, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Derek White/WireImage)
While things started out sweetly between Palmer and Jackson in 2023, their relationship has slowly devolved to a point of no return. The pair found love in each other when they met in 2021. Two years later, in February 2023, they welcomed their child, and all seemed right with the world. Unfortunately, that was the highest point in their relationship, and it all went downhill from there. Following the Usher debacle in July, the two subsequently separated.
Seeing it all unfold in real time was pretty surprising, and in the aftermath, it was unbelievable how far it went. When Palmer and Jackson were reunited in an Instagram livestream on Palmer’s birthday, it seemed like their relationship was healing. On the contrary, recent reports have proven that the opposite has happened. Following allegations of abuse, Palmer has filed a restraining order against Jackson and has since been granted full custody of their son. There’s no way anyone could have seen any of this coming, and social media was left aghast. As far as celebrity breakups go, this has turned out to be one of the most shocking ones this year.
