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Emily Ratajkowski Claims There's "Nothing Better" Than Being Married In Your 20s And Divorced In Your 30s

The model responds to the divorce of Sophie Turner and Joe Jonas, claiming that it's awesome to be divorced in your 30s after you were married in your 20s. "Congratulations," she said, and she even called the situation "chic."

By Gina Florio3 min read
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Getty/Dimitrios Kambouris

Emily Ratajkowski, the actress known for her role in Gone Girl, has shared her perspective on breakups, particularly for young women in their twenties. Following her split from Sebastian Bear-McClard in 2022 after four years of marriage, Ratajkowski conveyed a message on TikTok for young women experiencing divorce. Her advice comes shortly after Joe Jonas filed for divorce from Sophie Turner.

Emily Ratajkowski Claims There's "Nothing Better" Than Being Married in Your 20s and Divorced in Your 30s

In her TikTok, Emily Ratajkowski addressed the increasing trend of women getting divorced before turning 30, offering her own experience as a reference. She got married at 26 and separated at 32, viewing her twenties as a challenging period. She called it "being in the trenches." However, she views the subsequent years in a positive light, suggesting that the thirties offer a chance to experience life with a clearer sense of self, possibly with financial independence, and a refined understanding of life goals. She even hinted at the realization that the married fantasy might not always align with reality.

"I don't think there's anything better," she claimed. "There is nothing better than being in your 30s, still being hot, maybe having a little bit of money, figuring out what you want to do with your life, everything—and having tried that married fantasy and realizing that it's maybe not all it's cracked up to be and then you've got your life ahead of you."

To underscore her message, Ratajkowski encouraged those feeling overwhelmed by their divorce, reassuring them of the brighter side. She went as far as to label it "chic" to be divorced by 30 in her video caption.

"I don't think there's anything better."

Ratajkowski, a 31-year-old model, filed for divorce from her film producer husband, Sebastian Bear-McClard, in the Manhattan Supreme Court after four years of marriage in July 2022. Court records indicate that the divorce filing was contested, implying the couple hasn't agreed on the divorce terms. Speculation regarding the couple's separation surfaced in July when Ratajkowski was spotted without her wedding ring.

The couple was first romantically linked in 2018, and they got married within a few weeks of dating in a surprise ceremony at New York City's City Hall. Ratajkowski previously revealed to Jimmy Fallon that Bear-McClard proposed without a ring, using a paper clip from their dinner bill to fashion a makeshift one. The couple welcomed their son, Sylvester Apollo, in March 2021. Despite the split, Ratajkowski celebrated her son's first birthday, expressing the immense joy and magic he brought to her life.

Ex-Husband Sebastian Bear-McClard's Alleged Sexual Misconduct

In May 2023, Bear-McClard was accused of sexual misconduct, as reported by Variety. Known for producing movies such as Good Time (2017) and Uncut Gems (2019), Bear-McClard recruited a 17-year-old via Instagram for a nude scene in Good Time. Though Variety did not disclose its primary source, it cited a statement from the now 24-year-old woman related to a legal matter with Bear-McClard. The scene was shot in the presence of several male cast and crew, including directors Josh and Bennie Safdie. During the shoot, an actor purportedly whispered inappropriate remarks to her. Notably, this scene did not make the final cut of the film. Interestingly, the woman later entered into a consensual romantic relationship with Bear-McClard that lasted over two years.

A second woman alleged that she met Bear-McClard during Uncut Gems production. She accuses him of grooming her on Instagram, promising career advancements using his industry influence. She also detailed a non-consensual incident at an apartment Bear-McClard shared with Ratajkowski. The same woman recounted that Bear-McClard used derogatory and anti-Semitic language toward her. Moreover, she alleged that he communicated with a 15-year-old girl from the movie set via Instagram. This interaction, along with a relationship with an assistant on set, led to his dismissal from Elara Pictures, the Safdie brothers' production company. Further, the first woman mentioned that she was not compensated for her role in Good Time, apart from being bought cigarettes after the shoot. Even though her name appears in the movie's credits, she does not receive any residual pay.

You Need To Really Get To Know Someone Before Marrying Them Because Divorce Isn't "Chic"

Although Ratajkowski doesn't speak about her husband's sexual misconduct in her viral TikTok, many people are commenting and adding this information as context. Ratajkowski's tale is a cautionary one, urging women to really get to know the man they marry before they walk down the aisle because marriage is meant to be forever. Although Ratajkowski's situation is probably different than most other divorces, it still sends the wrong message to women that divorce is some "chic" action that makes your life better and sexier. This is not how we should be approaching divorce on the internet. It's always an unfortunate thing, particularly if there are children involved.

Ratajkowski's tale is a cautionary one.

Joe Jonas's divorce filing from "Game of Thrones" actress Sophie Turner came after a four-year marriage, as reported in court documents. The papers quoted Jonas as stating that their marriage was "irretrievably broken." The couple shares two daughters.

Reflecting on her life post-split, Ratajkowski spoke to the Los Angeles Times in April about entering a new phase of her life. She described her current state as being awakened and compared her transformation to the Pygmalion archetype—a story where a creation, made in the perfect image, comes to life with its own unique identity.

After her split, Ratajkowski was linked to various celebrities like Eric Andre, Pete Davidson, and Harry Styles. However, she emphasized her current focus isn't on dating. With a bustling career and responsibilities as a single mother to her son, Sylvester Apollo Bear, she confessed her work and motherhood have kept her occupied, making it easier to keep relationships off her mind for the time being.

Although people are relieved that Ratajkowski has separated from Bear-McClard because of his sordid history, many are still perplexed at her message about divorce. It makes it sound like a glamorous, fun thing to go through as a woman in your 20s, when that is simply not the case. Marriage should be treated with the utmost respect from the beginning, and perhaps our culture's overall lack of respect for marriage is what has gotten us to the point where celebrities glamorize divorce and make it sound fabulous. Women would do well to ignore these sentiments.

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