It is not a surprise when the statistics highlight that one in every two marriages will result in divorce. What may be left uncertain however, are the underlying reasons behind why this is the case, and why this 50% divorce rate does not ooze optimism for future celebrity couples wanting to enter into marriage. What can be said for certain is that for the majority of us who lead normal, non famous lifestyles, we will never know the factual reasons for dissolution of a celebrity marriage. We, as onlookers can only make presumptions based upon what we read and hear in the ever present media culture.
One particular theme that appears to be common in a celebrity divorce is the demanding work schedule that comes with the so called celebrity lifestyle. A well known concern is the ability to effectively achieve a proportionate balance between individual career needs whilst providing their partners with both emotional and physical satisfaction. A particular barrier that sometimes prevents the devotional element in a high profile relationship is the up keeping of a reputation. This is particularly a concern for those partners who are motivated more by their careers than a relationship. These more career driven individuals focus more on their work commitments and fail to recognise and maintain the needs of their partners in order to sustain a well balanced marriage and thus the relationship irretrievably breaks down. The divorce of Scarlett Johansson & Ryan Reynolds in 2010 is a prime example of a conflicting work schedule. It became apparent that Scarlett was not able to cope effectively with the stress of spending too much time apart and focusing on their careers whilst not putting as much effort into the relationship. Ryan eventually filed for divorce stating in the divorce papers that it was down to an ‘’irreconcilable difference.’’
In addition to the above, the widespread publicity and the publicised issue regarding a celebrity’s privacy are placing added pressures on existing relationships, which subsequently strains the ability to maintain a successful marriage. It is difficult for a celebrity couple to go about their daily routines without being subject to attention from the media and the press. What may be a normal daily activity for us becomes a frustration to the famous who are constantly under scrutiny from tabloids, journalists & the paparazzi. It is of the understanding that celebrities would take great satisfaction in being able to carry out normal activities without having to be conscious of what is happening around them. Furthermore, what about the rumours and stories that are generated within the media? Every day we see hundreds of stories printed in newspapers, the internet & glossy magazines alleging that various incidents have occurred between the celebrity couple. The overwhelming majority of these revelations are based upon little or no evidential proof, and purely on hearsay and speculation. Although the celebrities themselves may know the real truth behind the rumours, it does not stop society from questioning to see whether these allegations are true or not, placing unnecessary pressure on the couple. Upon the finalising of Ryan Reynold’s divorce with Scarlett Johansson, he was quoted stating that ‘the media wasn’t invited into my marriage, and their definitely not invited into my divorce.’ Although it is easier said than done, the key to overcoming these external social pressures is learning how to control and deal with the situation, ensuring they do not fall further into the grasp of the ever - growing media culture.
Perhaps the most reoccurring accusation that fuels divorce rumours is the problem of infidelity. It was seen in 2010 in the relationship of Sandra Bullock & Jesse James whereby it was alleged that Jesse had an ongoing affair which was the reasoning for the marriage breaking down. He was quoted in the divorce papers stating that it was simply a ‘’discord or conflict of personalities’. So why does it appear to be such a difficulty in maintaining the faithfulness aspect of a celebrity marriage? One word that particularly stands out in trying to find an answer to this problem of deviation is ‘opportunity’. A male or female celebrity will have a fan base with the majority consisting of the opposite sex. Is infidelity caused by this overwhelming amount of admiration that creates available opportunities for temptation to take over? This can relate back to the problem of conflicting work schedules whereby the couple are not spending enough time with each other, this may be more apparent in long distance relationships. Spending a sufficient amount of time with one another is an obvious ingredient for a successful relationship without such would create a distance and consequently a craving for attention – the solution for many celebrities being infidelity.
An additional reoccurring theme within celebrity divorces is the wealth and success that having a celebrity status creates. For some, fame and fortune becomes a priority and overrides the more sentimental aspects of a relationship. A well known fact is that money is not everything. By all means it may be a huge step in securing a fraction of future happiness, but without the most important requirements such as time, affection & attention, a relationship based on a purely finaincial outlook will without doubt be a challenge to stand the test of time. In the past few years, there has been considerable debate over the option to now enter into prenuptial agreements. When a marriage breaks down, a prenuptial agreement simply determines what each partner will receive upon the finalising of the divorce. Those commentators who disagree against such predetermined agreements argue that this goes against the entire purpose of a relationship and that it is predetermining the end of the relationship before it has even begun. In contrast however, especially in celebrity marriages, prenuptial agreements are becoming increasingly more common and seem to avoid the more complicated issues that arise throughout the divorce. This can be highlighted by the controversial divorce of Sir Paul McCartney and Heather Mills where a prenuptial would have clearly been in the beneficial interests of both individuals and would have avoided some of the resentment and hatred that surrounded the divorce. The debate surrounding prenuptial agreements will be sure to continue for many years to come.
Finally, it is apparent that there are various reoccurring reasons for this current trend in celebrity divorces, but we also have to consider that celebrity marriages are much more dramatized and exaggerated within the current media. It has been suggested that the celebrity relationships that do indeed stand the test of time are those that only include one famous person, with the other partner being an ordinary, non famous individual. This detaches themselves from the excessive external pressures from both the media and society, allowing them to lead a slightly less pressured life as compared to the ultimate celebrity lifestyle. To conclude, it is clear that a spotlight marriage is nothing less than a real challenge & only the strongest of relationships will survive this current celebrity divorce culture.
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