Natalie Portman is a true Hollywood gem, and when news surfaced of her split with husband Benjamin Millepied, it was a huge “What is happening?” moment.
After all, they had a love story that spanned over a decade, complete with two kids and years of life together. But then came the rumors—infidelity.
Couples and family therapist Dr. Deb Castaldo offers insight into how devastating infidelity can be in a long-term relationship.
For Portman, Millepied’s alleged betrayal likely feels like a deep violation of trust and security.
As Dr. Castaldo explains, infidelity can bring on waves of intense emotions—shock, grief, rage—that make it hard to find clarity.
For Natalie, the heartbreak is more than a split; it’s about untangling 13 years of shared life, love, and memories, all while managing the emotional toll of this unexpected loss.
Infidelity can be as traumatic as any deep betrayal, destabilizing the trust and attachment that relationships rely on.
“Discovering an infidelity is a betrayal,” she explains, adding that it unleashes intense feelings—shock, rage, grief—and often leaves the betrayed partner questioning themselves.
For Natalie Portman, like many who’ve been in her shoes, these painful emotions are part of processing the end of her marriage, as she might wonder if there were signs she missed or if she could have done anything differently, TheyGossip.com reports.
Dr. Castaldo also notes that infidelity usually doesn’t appear out of nowhere; it’s often the culmination of relationship breakdowns or personal crises affecting the partner who strayed.
Should couples choose to work on their relationship post-infidelity, Dr. Castaldo stresses that real healing requires accountability from the person who broke the trust.
Natalie and Benjamin
“It will require that person stepping up to take the lead in rebuilding trust and attachment,” she says.
But for Portman and Millepied, who are prioritizing co-parenting, Dr. Castaldo suggests that their communication remains centered around their children’s well-being.
She advises against introducing new partners too soon or probing kids about the other parent’s life, as these actions can add unnecessary stress to children who may already be struggling with their parent’s separation.
“Communication between ex-spouses should focus on the children’s needs,” she explains, emphasizing stability.
Moving forward, Dr. Castaldo stresses the importance of taking time to heal and avoid rushing into new relationships. “Many partners make the mistake of moving on too quickly and not taking the time to examine themselves and their relationship choices,” she explains.
For Portman, this might mean pausing to reflect on her relationship with Millepied and focusing on personal growth.
Therapy, Dr. Castaldo says, can provide valuable insight, helping individuals recognize patterns in past relationships and avoid repeating them in future ones.
Benjamin and Natalie were married for 13 years
In addition to emotional healing, prioritizing self-care is vital. Dr. Castaldo encourages people like Portman to focus on the basics—sleep, healthy eating, exercise, and maintaining routines with her children.
“Focusing on self-care for a period of time is a wise decision,” she says, explaining that the stability and peace it brings can empower better choices in the future.
Dr. Castaldo also advises those healing from betrayal not to get caught up in thoughts about how quickly their ex has moved on.
Instead, attention should be directed inward, rebuilding confidence and embracing new opportunities.
Ultimately, Portman’s path forward may be filled with the same resilience she brings to her career and family.
Dr. Castaldo’s advice is a reminder that healing from infidelity takes time and self-compassion, and with intentional reflection, Portman may find herself emerging stronger than before.
