It's been four months since Natalie Portman's divorce from Benjamin Millepied, and she's finally speaking out about her journey. The talented actress, known for her role in May December, appeared on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon on July 15. In this candid conversation, Natalie shared her thoughts and experiences following the end of her marriage.
A Memorable Meeting in Paris
Jimmy Fallon couldn't resist bringing up a viral moment from Paris Fashion Week where Natalie, now 43, had her first encounter with the iconic Rihanna. It was a moment that left the internet buzzing and Natalie herself speechless.
During this encounter, Rihanna, who’s 36, paid Natalie one of the highest compliments imaginable. "You are one of the hottest bitches in Hollywood forever," Rihanna said to Natalie, leaving her utterly shocked. "Excuse me? I’m gonna faint," Natalie quipped back, showing her genuine surprise and delight.
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Rihanna's Impact
The "Umbrella" singer didn’t stop there. "I’m a f–king fan," Rihanna declared in the video. "Yo, I don’t get excited about anybody, but I f–king love you." For Natalie, meeting Rihanna was more than just a casual moment; it was a pivotal experience that resonated deeply with her.
Reflecting on the encounter with Jimmy Fallon, Natalie confessed, "It was a formative moment in my life." She went on to explain, "I think every woman going through a divorce should get to have Rihanna say to her that she’s a bad bitch. It was exactly what I needed." Natalie's heartfelt words revealed how much this meeting meant to her during a challenging period in her life.
A Boost of Confidence
She added, "It was an amazing experience for me." Natalie also discussed this unforgettable meeting on Today with Hoda Kotb and guest cohost Justin Sylvester. "It’s the confidence boost of a lifetime," she admitted. "And it’s exactly what I needed at that moment in my life and she served it to me, and I’m forever grateful." This sentiment perfectly encapsulates the impact Rihanna’s words had on Natalie during her personal transition.
Natalie described the encounter as a dream come true. "I’ve been such a big fan of hers for such a long time. Her music means so much to me, and I was so excited to see her," she explained. "I thought I was just going to go up and tell her that I was a big fan. So it was just a very big compliment that she was so kind to me. It was a very memorable life moment." This exchange not only lifted Natalie's spirits but also provided her with the encouragement she needed during her personal transition.
A New Chapter
Natalie and Benjamin's divorce was finalized in March, marking the end of an 11-year marriage. They share two children, Aleph, 12, and Amalia, 7. Initially, Natalie had attempted to reconcile following rumors of Benjamin's infidelity, but ultimately, she realized it was time to move on.
"Natalie is officially pulling the plug on her marriage," a source revealed in January. "She really tried forgiving Benjamin — the last thing she imagined in her life was a divorce — but she could not get past the betrayal." Despite the heartbreak, Natalie has shown remarkable resilience. In the months following their split, sources have reported that Natalie is ready to embrace the next chapter of her life.
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"Natalie isn’t crying in her soup over the situation with her divorce," an insider shared in May. "Quite the contrary, Natalie is proud of how decisive she has been about splitting with Ben and protecting her kids from a drawn-out fight. She’s turning the page and not looking back." Natalie celebrated her 43rd birthday on June 9, sharing a heartfelt message on Instagram to thank her supporters.
"This year, on my birthday, I want to celebrate my gratitude for my friends who lift me up again and again," she captioned a series of photos with her loved ones. Natalie's journey shows that even in the face of adversity, strength and grace can guide us forward.
