The idea of a perfect marriage ending with everyone living "happily ever after" is a dream we all want to achieve. But the truth is, not all marriages last forever. Many marriages finish with the painful realization that keeping a lifelong commitment is extremely difficult, especially if you have to deal with many troubles.
This harsh reality affects all types of people - no one can avoid the problems that can damage a marriage beyond repair. Even celebrities, who often seem to have perfect lives in the public eye, face the same struggles and issues in their marriages.
Here’s A List Of Celebs Who Had Divorce or Annulment
1. Michelle Madrigal and Troy Woolfolk
Michelle Madrigal left her acting career in 2016 to start a new life in the US. In the new chapter, she married her (now ex-husband), former football player, Troy Woolfolk and had a daughter with him in February 2017.
However, after two years of being together, the actress revealed in an interview with PEP that they had gone through divorce. Michelle claimed that it came to a point where the marriage had become really "toxic" because of emotional abuse and knew it wasn’t going to work anymore.
"I didn't want my daughter to grow up in a toxic home. A lot of people say, 'You should stay for the kids.' Yes, I see that. Pero both partners should be willing to work on their relationship and as individuals kasi dalawang entity kayo," Michelle emphasized.
2. Claudine Barretto and Raymart Santiago
Claudine Barretto is one of the many celebrities who have expressed support for the legalization of divorce in the Philippines. She revealed that she and ex-husband Raymart Santiago are in the process of nullifying their marriage. The two married in March 2006 and after seven years of marriage decided to go their own ways.
Claudine opened up that their annulment process has been really tedious. They started the process in 2013 and are still going through it in 2024.
3. Carla Abellana and Tom Rodriguez
Carla Abellana and Tom Rodriguez were among the celebrity love teams that became a real life couple. Their romance became official in 2014, and after seven years of being together, they tied the knot on October 23, 2021. And after a year in June 2022, the two officially ended their marriage.
In a 2023 interview on "Fast Talk with Boy Abunda," Carla opened up her split with the ex-husband saying that she had finally reached the "bottom line" and the "breaking point" in their marriage.
"I was disrespected. I was betrayed. I was lied to. I was used. I was shamed. I was made to look stupid.. Aminin ko po ang daming nag-change, 'yung mga perspective ko po, especially with marriage. I really honestly don't see myself getting married again," the actress said.
4. Cristine Reyes and Ali Khatibi
Cristine Reyes and mixed martial artist Ali Khatibi's marriage, which began in 2016, has officially come to an end. Cristine disclosed that their annulment had been finalized over a year ago, following their separation in 2019.
The former couple welcomed their daughter, Amarah, in 2015, but as Cristine shared in an exclusive interview with Karen Davila, they found themselves unprepared for the responsibilities of parenthood and married life.
"We were not mature enough to handle the responsibility of being mom and dad, and being in marriage," she admitted.
Despite the end of her marriage, Cristine remains focused on her role as a mother to Amarah. She also acknowledged her current state of mind, expressing that she is not yet ready to commit to another marriage at this stage of her life. She is currently dating Marco Gumabao.
5. Sunshine Cruz and Cesar Montano
After 13 years of marriage, the union between actress Sunshine Cruz and actor Cesar Montano came to a legal end in 2018 following a four-year annulment battle. Sunshine initiated the annulment proceedings in 2014 amid reports of Montano's infidelity.
Despite the dissolution of their marriage, Sunshine and Cesar remain committed to co-parenting their three daughters: Angelina, Samantha, and Francesca Cruz. The former couple has chosen to prioritize their children's well-being by maintaining a cordial relationship and sharing parental responsibilities.
6. Jodi Sta. Maria and Pampi Lacson
Jodi Sta. Maria and Pampi Lacson, Jr., separated only after five years of marriage. In a 2022 interview with Karen Davila, the actress opened up about the struggles of ending a marriage.
“So during that time when my marriage didn’t work out, I felt like I was the biggest failure, the biggest joke. Nagkaron ako ng feelings of shame and guilt. Na shocks, nakakahiya. Kumbaga hindi ko ‘to na-ayos. Hindi ko nabigyan si Thirdy ng buong pamilya.”
In 2017, the Court of Appeals denied their petition for annulment, saying there were no grounds to nullify the marriage.
Jodi and Pampi have since sorted out their differences and have been praised for co-parenting their son Thirdy. Jodi is also often seen hanging out with Pampi's new partner, actress Iwa Moto and their children.
