Natalie Portman
and
Benjamin Millepied
secretly called it quits on their relationship eight months ago, and it emerged on Friday (07.03.24) the pair have already finalized their divorce.
A source has now told
People
about how Natalie's allegedly coped with the collapse of their romance: "It was initially really tough for her, but her friends rallied around her and helped her get through the worst of it."
They added: "Natalie is coming out of a really tough and painful year but she's coming out the other side of it stronger and is finding joy in her family, friends and work."
On Friday, a representative for Natalie confirmed she and Benjamin had split after the actress filed for dissolution in July.
The former couple's divorce was finalized last month in France, where they live with their children, son Aleph, 12, and seven-year-old daughter
Amalia
.
It was first reported in June Benjamin had allegedly cheated on the actress with a 25-year-old woman named
Camille Étienne
.
A source told
Page Six
Natalie and Benjamin, who married in 2012, had first separated in 2022 but managed to work through their marital troubles.
However, the insider added their marriage was rocked once again by the revelations Benjamin had allegedly had a fling.
A source said at the time: "They have not split and are trying to work things out. Ben is doing everything he can to get Natalie to forgive him.
"He loves her and their family."
The insider added Natalie is "incredibly private" and her biggest focus is "protecting the kids."
'May December' star Natalie fueled rumors she and Benjamin had split in January when an interview she gave the
Wall Street Journal
revealed she lived in France with her children, while the profile failed to mention Benjamin.
Natalie then told
Vanity Fair
in an interview published in February the speculation surrounding her marriage had been horrible.
She would only tell the magazine about the gossip: "It's terrible, and I have no desire to contribute to it."