It’s been a hectic week for the usually private Kevin Costner. On Tuesday, the actor’s rep confirmed that Christine Costner (née Baumgartner) had filed for divorce after more than 18 years of marriage. A day later, it was reported, but unconfirmed, the actor’s reign as patriarch Dutton on Yellowstone is finished. On Wednesday, the internet seemed to be working with the narrative that on-set infidelity had something to do with the split.
So what happened with Kevin and Christine Costner? And is divorce related to Yellowstone drama? Here’s what we know.
The couple broke up a month ago
According to documents obtained by multiple outlets, Christine listed their split date as April 11. It’s a month after the Costners attended the 2023 Oscars together and appeared happy on the red carpet. She officially filed for divorce on May 1 citing irreconcilable differences. On Wednesday, Christine was pictured running errands in Santa Barbara, Calif., without her wedding ring.
Kevin didn’t want a divorce
Although this is evident in the actor’s statement, a source tells People it was not “all he wanted or was looking for, and if he could change the situation, he would”.
Kevin and Christine share three children: Cayden, 15, Hayes, 14, and Grace, 12. Another insider claimed page 6 the actor was “stunned” when Christine filled out the paperwork.
The actor’s rep previously told Yahoo Entertainment “circumstances beyond Kevin’s ‘control’ resulted in the split.
“It is with great sadness that circumstances beyond his control have arisen that have required Mr. Costner to participate in a marriage dissolution action,” his publicist shared in a statement. “We ask that his privacy, that of Christine and their children be respected as they go through this difficult time.”
Did the cheating have anything to do with it?
The internet acts as judge and jury these days, so it’s no surprise that social media is convinced of Kevin’s alleged infidelity. An unverified rumor claimed that Costner impregnated someone working on Yellowstone. (“That’s not true,” a source told Yahoo.)
Kevin’s rep shut down the speculation in a statement to Yahoo on Thursday: “Any suggestion of infidelity on the part of Mr. Costner is absolutely false.”
As for why people were quick to jump to that conclusion, it might have something to do with Kevin’s prior marriage to Cindy Costner. In 1994, it was rumored that her relationship with her childhood sweetheart had imploded due to on-set affairs. Divorce settlement estimated at $80 million, per Forbesis one of the most expensive in Hollywood history.
Is this holding up Yellowstone?
No. Sources involved with the production tell Yahoo that Kevin’s divorce has nothing to do with why the back half of Season 5 has yet to be filmed.
“Honestly, a lot of us were surprised when the news (of the divorce) broke,” an insider said, adding that there was no indication the former couple were on the rocks.
The question is strictly professional because Kevin is filming the second chapter of his passion project Horizon: an American saga. It is not known when the production on Yellowstone will resume and how involved he will be in the storyline, but Yahoo’s source says it’s “very likely” this will be Kevin’s final season.
Representatives for Costner and Paramount did not return Yahoo’s request for comment on the show.