Natalie Portman shared a post about a 'grieving wife' just one day before claims about her then-husband Benjamin Millepied's alleged affair became public in June 2023. The striking timing has resurfaced as Portman begins a new chapter of her life following their divorce. However, the post itself was about a novel, and Portman has never confirmed that it was intended as a message about her marriage.
The Oscar-winning actress posted about Catherine Lacey's Biography of X on 1 June 2023 as part of her regular book recommendations. One day later, reports emerged alleging that Millepied had been involved with French climate activist Camille Étienne. Neither Portman nor Millepied publicly confirmed the alleged affair.
The 'Grieving Wife' Post
Portman shared a picture of herself reading Biography of X and explained the story to her followers. She wrote that the book follows a 'grieving wife' who begins looking into the life of her late partner and gradually uncovers secrets about the person she thought she knew.
'When X, a polarizing and elusive artist, drops dead in her office, her grieving wife sets out to uncover the truth of X's life,' Portman wrote. She described the novel as part narrative fiction and part fake biography and called it her June book pick. There was no mention of Millepied, their marriage or infidelity in the post.
The timing became much more noticeable the following day when allegations about Millepied's private life became public. Some readers later wondered whether Portman had chosen the book because of difficulties in her own marriage, but there is no evidence that she has ever confirmed that interpretation.
Affair Claims Surface
Reports published on 2 June 2023 alleged that Millepied had been involved with Étienne, a French climate activist. At the time, sources described the alleged relationship as brief and said it had already ended. Other reports said Millepied was trying to repair his marriage and keep his family together.
The original reporting also alleged that Portman had become aware of the situation by March 2023, although Portman has never publicly confirmed that timeline. Even if she knew about the allegations before they became public, that would not establish that her 1 June book post was intended as a hidden message.
Portman remained largely silent as public interest in her marriage increased. When she was later asked about discussion of her private life, she said, 'It's terrible, and I have no desire to contribute to it.' She did not confirm the alleged affair or explain whether her earlier book post had any personal meaning.
Marriage Ends in Divorce
Portman and Millepied first met while working on Black Swan, with Millepied serving as choreographer on the film. They married in California in August 2012 after welcoming their son, Aleph, the previous year. Their daughter, Amalia, was born in 2017.
Portman filed for divorce in France in July 2023, only weeks after the affair allegations became public. Their divorce was finalised in February 2024 after more than 11 years of marriage. A representative for Portman later confirmed that the divorce had been completed.
The former couple share their two children and have kept most details of their separation private. Reports following the divorce said caring for their children remained an important focus, while Portman has avoided publicly blaming Millepied or giving a detailed account of why their marriage ended.
Portman Starts New Chapter
Portman was first publicly linked to French music producer Tanguy Destable, also known as Tepr, in March 2025. In April 2026, Portman revealed that she was expecting her third child and her first with Destable. She said she felt 'very grateful' and described the pregnancy as a 'privilege and a miracle.'
Portman gave birth to their first child together in Paris in August 2026, according to reports confirming the arrival in early September. The baby is Portman's third child, following Aleph and Amalia, whom she shares with Millepied.
The new arrival has brought fresh attention to how much Portman's personal life has changed since the period surrounding her divorce.
That renewed interest has also brought her old 'grieving wife' post back into focus. Its timing, one day before the affair allegations surfaced, is accurate and makes the post striking when viewed years later. But without Portman saying it was connected to her marriage, claims that she was secretly signalling Millepied's alleged affair remain speculation.
