Why Did Justin Hartley Divorce Chrishell So Suddenly?

Celebrity relationships have always fascinated the public, but few stories have captured attention quite like the sudden and unexpected divorce of Justin Hartley and Chrishell Stause.

When the This Is Us star filed for divorce in 2019, even Chrishell herself claimed to be shocked by the move.

The dramatic way the split was revealed, including its portrayal on Netflix’s Selling Sunset, ignited a media frenzy and raised several questions about what truly happened behind the scenes.

This blog takes a deeper look at the timeline of their relationship, the reasons speculated behind their sudden separation, and the impact it had on both their personal and professional lives.

What Was the Relationship Timeline of Justin Hartley and Chrishell Stause?

Image – Source

Justin Hartley and Chrishell Stause were introduced by a mutual friend in 2013. At the time, both were steadily working in the television industry.

Hartley had made his mark with roles in Smallville and The Young and the Restless, while Stause was best known for her work in daytime soaps like Days of Our Lives.

The couple began dating and quickly became a beloved pair in Hollywood circles. After four years together, they got engaged and married in a romantic ceremony in October 2017.

Their wedding was covered in several celebrity magazines, and their social media profiles showcased what appeared to be a deeply affectionate relationship.

Throughout their marriage, they often appeared together at red carpet events, including award shows where Hartley was celebrated for his role on This Is Us.

Stause was frequently by his side, and many fans viewed them as a strong and glamorous couple. However, despite their public image, cracks in the relationship were forming behind the scenes ones that the public wouldn’t learn about until it was too late.

Why Did Justin Hartley File for Divorce Without Warning?

Perhaps the most jarring aspect of their breakup was not just that it happened, but how it unfolded. On 22 November 2019, Justin Hartley filed for divorce, citing “irreconcilable differences.”

What made this announcement particularly shocking was that, according to Chrishell, she found out about the filing just 45 minutes before it hit the media and the message was reportedly sent via text.

This detail came to light during season 3 of Selling Sunset, where Stause’s heartbreak and confusion were captured on camera. She told her co-stars that she was blindsided and had no idea the marriage was in such a critical state.

The method of communication a text message ending a marriage of two years became a major talking point across tabloids, entertainment websites, and social media platforms.

Hartley, on the other hand, has remained relatively silent on the matter, never publicly explaining the sudden decision. While it is common for celebrities to keep the details of their personal lives private, the lack of context only deepened the public’s curiosity and concern.

Was There Trouble Brewing in Justin and Chrishell’s Marriage?

Although the split appeared sudden to the public, some reports suggest that the relationship had been under strain for some time. Sources close to the couple mentioned that their demanding schedules may have played a role in creating distance between them.

Hartley’s career on a primetime television series required long hours and frequent travel, while Stause was growing her own brand as a real estate agent and reality TV personality.

Additionally, there were indications of differences in how they viewed life in the public eye. Chrishell embraced the spotlight through her involvement with Selling Sunset, while Justin was reportedly more reserved and preferred privacy.

This contrast in comfort levels with fame and public exposure may have contributed to ongoing friction.

Communication or the lack thereof also appears to have been a core issue. Chrishell’s statements on the show painted a picture of a relationship that lacked openness in its final days, leading to confusion and emotional devastation when the divorce papers were filed.

How Did Chrishell Stause Respond to the Divorce?

Chrishell’s reaction to the divorce was widely publicised, especially through the lens of Selling Sunset. She was open about her pain and disbelief, particularly over how the divorce was handled.

In one emotional scene, she described how she packed her belongings and left their shared home shortly after receiving the text message from Hartley.

She later revealed that she had hoped to work through whatever issues they were facing and was not expecting the abrupt ending.

Chrishell’s vulnerability resonated with viewers, many of whom expressed their support on social media. Her openness helped her connect with fans and led to a surge in popularity for both her and the show.

Despite the initial shock and public scrutiny, Chrishell eventually found strength in her experience. In subsequent interviews, she expressed that while the ordeal was deeply painful, it also gave her the opportunity to rediscover herself and refocus her priorities.

What Was the Public and Media Reaction to the Split?

The sudden nature of the breakup sparked intense public reaction. Many people empathised with Chrishell, particularly after seeing her tearful account on Selling Sunset. Her story of discovering the divorce via text struck a chord with viewers who felt that she had been treated unfairly.

Meanwhile, Justin Hartley received criticism online for his silence and the way he ended the relationship. Comment sections and entertainment articles were filled with commentary questioning his motives and speculating about his new relationship with actress Sofia Pernas, which began shortly after the divorce filing.

Media outlets covered the story extensively, with headlines focused on the surprise element and emotional fallout.

Entertainment journalists and celebrity culture commentators analysed everything from their final public appearance to their social media behaviour, further fuelling the story’s popularity.

Did Selling Sunset Reveal More About the Divorce?

Image – Source

Selling Sunset provided a deeply personal look at how the divorce affected Chrishell. Although the series didn’t focus solely on the breakup, several episodes included scenes where she discussed the events leading up to it and how it unfolded.

One particularly impactful scene showed Chrishell speaking to co-star Mary Fitzgerald, revealing how little warning she had before the news became public.

She explained that she was forced to respond to media inquiries while still trying to understand what had happened in her own marriage.

While some critics suggested that the show may have edited certain parts for dramatic effect, others praised it for giving Chrishell the space to share her truth.

The divorce storyline added emotional depth to the show and helped raise its profile in the entertainment world.

Have Justin Hartley and Chrishell Moved On Since the Divorce?

Since the divorce, both Hartley and Stause have moved forward in their personal lives. Hartley began dating actress Sofia Pernas not long after the split and the two were married in 2021. They have maintained a relatively low public profile as a couple.

Chrishell, on the other hand, experienced a more public journey post-divorce. She briefly dated Dancing With the Stars pro Keo Motsepe before entering a high-profile relationship with Australian singer G Flip.

Their relationship was confirmed in 2022 and has been featured prominently on Selling Sunset. Chrishell has also embraced her identity, becoming a voice for inclusivity and LGBTQ+ awareness.

Professionally, both stars have continued to grow. Hartley remains active in television, while Stause has successfully expanded her brand beyond real estate into fashion, advocacy, and broader media appearances.

How Do Celebrity Breakups Like This Affect Public Perception?

The fallout from Hartley and Stause’s divorce provides an insightful look into how celebrity breakups are consumed and interpreted by the public.

With so much of their lives exposed, especially through reality TV and social media, fans often feel emotionally connected to these public figures and develop strong opinions about their relationships.

In this case, the visibility of Chrishell’s heartbreak and Hartley’s silence created a narrative in which one person appeared as the wronged party.

Whether or not that perception reflects the full truth is difficult to determine, but it does highlight how fame, exposure, and selective storytelling shape public opinion.

The incident also underscores the blurred line between private and public life for celebrities. When a breakup unfolds in the spotlight, it becomes not only a personal tragedy but also a subject of public entertainment and debate.

Featured image – Source

Conclusion

So, why did Justin Hartley divorce Chrishell so suddenly? While an official, detailed explanation was never shared, a combination of professional pressures, communication issues, and personal differences appear to have played a significant role.

The abruptness of the divorce delivered via text and announced without prior discussion  only deepened the emotional impact on Chrishell and intrigued fans around the world.

In the end, both individuals have moved forward, reshaping their lives and public images in the wake of their highly publicised split.

Their story serves as a reminder that even glamorous celebrity relationships face challenges and that sudden endings, while painful, can also be the start of new beginnings.

FAQs

Did Justin Hartley give a reason for divorcing Chrishell?

He cited “irreconcilable differences” in the court filing, but no detailed explanation was given publicly.

How long were Justin and Chrishell married before the divorce?

They were married for just over two years, from October 2017 until November 2019.

Did Chrishell find out about the divorce through a text message?

Yes, Chrishell revealed on Selling Sunset that she was informed of the divorce via a text message sent by Justin shortly before the media learned about it.

Did Selling Sunset accurately portray the divorce?

While the show reflected Chrishell’s emotional journey, it only shared her perspective, and viewers did not hear directly from Hartley.

Who is Justin Hartley married to now?

He is married to actress Sofia Pernas. They tied the knot in 2021.

How has Chrishell’s career changed post-divorce?

Chrishell’s visibility has grown significantly, and she has become a successful reality star, influencer, and advocate.

Is there any chance of reconciliation between Justin and Chrishell?

There are no indications of reconciliation. Both have moved on with their lives and are in new relationships.