Breakups are never easy, but when they unfold in the public eye , and especially via a reality show, the emotional weight and speculation only intensify. This is exactly what happened with Justin Hartley and Chrishell Stause, whose high-profile divorce left fans with one pressing question: why did Justin Hartley divorce Chrishell?
Let’s explore what we know, what’s been speculated, and what can be learned from their unexpected and emotional split.
Who Were Justin Hartley and Chrishell Stause as a Couple?
Before the dramatic separation, Justin Hartley and Chrishell Stause seemed like one of Hollywood’s golden couples. They began dating in 2014, got engaged in 2016, and tied the knot in an elegant California ceremony in 2017.
Both actors had their individual careers, Hartley with This Is Us and Stause with soap operas and later Selling Sunset, but their paths appeared to align personally and professionally. They walked red carpets together and often praised each other in interviews, giving fans every reason to believe their marriage was solid.
How Did the Divorce Unfold So Publicly and Abruptly?
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In November 2019, Hartley filed for divorce, citing “irreconcilable differences” as the legal reason. But the shock came not from the filing itself, it came from how it reportedly happened.
Chrishell revealed on Selling Sunset that she was not given any prior notice, and that she learned about the divorce via a text message, just 45 minutes before the news became public.
“I found out because he texted me,” she said tearfully on the show.
Just days before the filing, the couple had attended public events together, smiling for the cameras and showing no visible signs of marital distress, adding further confusion to an already puzzling situation.
Was the Split Due to Different Life Goals?
One significant factor suggested by multiple sources was a misalignment in long-term goals. Chrishell had openly spoken about wanting to start a family, whereas Hartley, possibly influenced by a surge in career momentum, might have been hesitant to commit to that next step.
Some insiders claimed that Hartley, whose fame was peaking due to This Is Us, was not ready to settle down into the family life Chrishell envisioned. Meanwhile, Chrishell felt their window for starting a family was narrowing and believed they were on the same page, until they weren’t.
Did Justin Hartley Act on Impulse?
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Another layer to the story is the suggestion that Hartley’s decision to file for divorce was impulsive. According to Selling Sunset and insider accounts, the actor allegedly had a history of threatening divorce during arguments, though Chrishell never thought he’d follow through.
In her words:
“We didn’t even get a chance to figure it out. I thought we were going to work through it.”
This impulsivity, paired with the manner of notification, left Chrishell blindsided and emotionally shattered, a sentiment clearly visible throughout the reality show.
Was Fame a Divisive Factor in Their Relationship?
Both Justin and Chrishell were experiencing rising fame, but in very different entertainment spaces. Hartley was part of a prestigious network drama, while Stause had become a star in the reality TV world via Netflix’s Selling Sunset.
Some media reports speculated that Hartley wasn’t entirely comfortable being associated with reality television, which may have affected how he viewed the couple’s public image. He may have sought to distance himself from the media scrutiny that came with Selling Sunset, while Chrishell embraced it as part of her evolving career.
This clash of brand identities and public perception may have played a more significant role than either of them publicly admitted.
Were There Rumours of an Affair?
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Following the divorce, Hartley began dating actress Sofia Pernas, a former co-star from The Young and the Restless. The quick transition into a new relationship, and eventual marriage to Pernas in 2021, led to social media speculation that the two may have had a relationship before Hartley’s divorce was final.
To be clear, there has been no confirmed evidence of an affair. However, the timing raised eyebrows, and the internet, as it often does, filled in the blanks with assumptions and theories. Chrishell has never publicly accused Hartley of cheating, though fans online have remained suspicious.
How Did Chrishell Handle the Fallout?
Chrishell’s response was both emotional and dignified. Through Selling Sunset, viewers witnessed her grieving, processing, and slowly rebuilding her confidence. She opened up to co-stars, sought therapy, and showed vulnerability, earning widespread public sympathy.
Rather than hiding from the cameras, she used them as a platform for healing. This transparency not only solidified her status as a relatable figure but also brought mental health and emotional maturity into the spotlight of reality TV.
How Did the Public and Media React to the Divorce?
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The public response leaned heavily in Chrishell’s favour. Many felt the way she was informed about the divorce, via text, was insensitive and abrupt, especially for a couple who had spent years together.
Headlines used words like “cold,” “unexpected,” and “brutal”, while social media support for Chrishell poured in. The media dissected the timing, the text, and the silence from Hartley, who chose not to publicly comment on the matter
This silence only intensified the criticism, creating an uneven narrative where Chrishell was open and vulnerable, and Justin remained closed off.
Where Are They Now After the Split?
Since the divorce, both have moved forward with their lives:
- Justin Hartley is now married to Sofia Pernas and continues to act in television and film roles.
- Chrishell Stause has embraced her career in real estate, continued to star on Selling Sunset, and has also become a public speaker and advocate for mental health and personal growth.
Their post-divorce paths show resilience, but also highlight just how differently two people can cope with emotional upheaval.
What Can We Learn From Their Story?
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The divorce between Justin Hartley and Chrishell Stause is more than just tabloid fodder, it offers real insight into relationships under pressure:
- Communication is critical: Major decisions should never be made unilaterally.
- Fame complicates emotions: Public life can strain even the strongest of bonds.
- Different goals can divide: When couples are not aligned on life priorities, it creates long-term tension.
- Impulse can cause irreversible damage: Emotional reactions can lead to permanent consequences if not managed.
While their love story didn’t last, it left behind powerful lessons for anyone navigating relationships, especially in high-pressure environments.
What Is the Timeline of Their Relationship and Divorce?
| Year | Event |
| 2014 | Justin Hartley and Chrishell start dating |
| 2016 | They get engaged |
| 2017 | Married in October |
| 2019 | Justin files for divorce unexpectedly |
| 2020 | Chrishell opens up on Selling Sunset |
| 2021 | Justin marries Sofia Pernas |
Conclusion: Why Did Justin Hartley Divorce Chrishell?
In the end, “why did Justin Hartley divorce Chrishell?” remains a mix of confirmed facts and unanswered questions. Legally, it was “irreconcilable differences”, but emotionally, it involved misaligned life goals, career pressures, and a lack of communication.
While Chrishell opened up about her heartbreak, Justin has stayed quiet, leaving fans and media to draw their own conclusions. Regardless of the behind-the-scenes truth, both individuals have since taken steps to heal and grow, and for that, they deserve respect.
FAQs
Did Chrishell know about the divorce before it was filed?
No, she claimed she was informed via text message shortly before the media picked up the story.
What did Chrishell want from the relationship?
She reportedly wanted to start a family, a goal she believed they were moving toward until the sudden divorce.
Did Justin Hartley ever explain why he filed for divorce?
Publicly, no. He has chosen to remain silent about the details behind the split.
Was there evidence of cheating?
There is no confirmed evidence, though some fans speculated about the timeline of his relationship with Sofia Pernas.
What was the legal reason for their divorce?
The official reason cited in court documents was “irreconcilable differences.”
Did the success of Selling Sunset impact their marriage?
Some believe Justin was uncomfortable with the reality TV spotlight and wanted to protect his career image.
Have they spoken since the divorce?
There’s no public confirmation of any reconciliation or contact between the two since the divorce.
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