Natalie Portman Had 'Irrational Fear' Of Dating Post Ex Benjamin Millepied's Cheating Scandal
Natalie Portman and Benjamin Millepied reportedly split after the latter's alleged affair came to light. His affair led Natalie to develop 'irrational fears' about dating.
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Add BollywoodShaadis on GoogleCongratulations are in order for Natalie Portman, as it was revealed that the actress has welcomed her third child. According to reports, this is her first baby with her partner, Tanguy Destable. Natalie already has two children, a son named Aleph and a daughter named Amalia from her previous marriage to Benjamin Millepied.
For those unaware, it is believed that Natalie and Benjamin split after the latter’s alleged affair came to light. Neither Natalie nor Benjamin publicly confirmed whether it truly was the reason behind their divorce.
Natalie Portman’s ‘irrational fears’ held her back from dating after split from Benjamin Millepied
Natalie Portman and Benjamin Millepied were married for 11 years. They were one of the most private couples in Hollywood, and this is why, when they decided to call it quits in March 2024, the decision came as a shock to many. Before their split, reports had emerged that Benjamin was cheating on Natalie with a climate activist named Camille Etienne.
Granted that Natalie had known Benjamin since 2009 and had a long marriage, she struggled to move on after their separation. A longtime friend of Natalie spoke to Life & Style Magazine about how Natalie had developed irrational fears of dating a fellow actor despite wanting to move on from her previous relationship. While her friends were trying to set her up with actors, Natalie didn't like to socialize with other stars. The source said:
“The central problem with Natalie as she gets back on the dating scene is that she has a bit of an irrational fear about dating a fellow actor. She barely likes to socialize with other stars, and she’s even admitted publicly how difficult it is maintaining those friendships.”
According to the source, even though Natalie Portman had plenty of celebrity friends whom she could date at that time if she wished, the actress appeared to be more comfortable with people she knew from her college years. In fact, the source claimed that if Natalie were to truly date, she would more likely go for “a heart surgeon or an architect than a sitcom star.”
Her ex-husband, Benjamin, was a dance choreographer with whom Natalie had worked on her Oscar-winning film Black Swan. Natalie’s longtime friend revealed that she was particularly attracted to “high achievers.” However, Benjamin’s cheating scandal had made her way more cautious about getting into the dating scene.
According to another source for US Weekly, Natalie had initially tried to save her marriage with Benjamin for the sake of her children. She did not want her son and daughter to “grow up in a broken home.” They said:
“Natalie believes Benjamin’s affair was a brief and stupid liaison that means nothing to him. She was willing to see if she's capable of rebuilding her trust.”
However, Natalie and Benjamin went on to finalize their divorce in France, where they lived together with their children. A representative for the actress stated at the time that the former couple decided to part ways after facing some challenging times.
Natalie Portman welcomed her third child and first baby with Tanguy Destable
As per reports, Natalie Portman welcomed her third child with her partner, Tanguy Destable, in August 2026. The baby was born in Paris, where she currently lives with Tanguy.
Natalie had first unveiled her pregnancy back in April 2026. During an interview, the actress acknowledged how lucky she was to expand her family once again. She said:
“I grew up hearing about how hard it is to get pregnant. I have so many people I love who’ve had such a hard time with it that I want to be respectful around that as well. It’s such a beautiful, joyous thing, and it’s also not an easy thing. And so I know how lucky it is. I’m very aware, and I’m very grateful. I have deep appreciation and gratitude.”
What are your thoughts on Natalie having developed irrational fears about dating after her ex-husband, Benjamin Millepied's alleged affair?
Photo Credit: Natalie Portman/IG, Benjamin Millepied/IG
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