'Legally Blonde' Witherspoon Soon to Be Legally Separated

Oct. 30, 2006 — Oscar-winning actress Reese Witherspoon and Ryan Phillippe, her husband of seven years, have separated.

http://a.abcnews.com/images/Entertainment/nm_witherspoon_061030_sp.jpg

"We are saddened to announce that Reese and Ryan have decided to formally separate," the couple said in a statement released to TMZ.com. "They remain committed to their family, and we ask that you please respect their privacy and the safety of their children at this time."

A representative for Phillippe confirmed to ABCNews.com that the couple is splitting up. A call to Witherspoon's representative was not immediately returned.

TMZ also reports that Witherspoon has contacted celebrity divorce lawyer Robert Kaufman, who has represented Jennifer Aniston, Roseanne and Lisa Marie Presley.

Witherspoon, 30, met Phillippe at her 21st birthday party. They have two children together.

Phillippe, 32, is currently appearing in the new Clint Eastwood film, "Flag of Our Fathers."

Witherspoon won best actress honors at the Academy Awards last year for her performance in "Walk the Line." Her next film, "Penelope," about a young woman suffering the effects of a family curse, opens Nov. 27.

http://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/story?id=2616270

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Reese Witherspoon and Ryan Phillippe have separated. The couple's rep released a statement to TMZ Monday morning that says "We are saddened to announce that Reese & Ryan have decided to formally separate. They remain committed to their family and we ask that you please respect their privacy and the safety of their children at this time."

http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.tmz.com/media/2006/10/reese_ryan_excl_200.jpg


Sources tell TMZ Witherspoon has contacted celebrity divorce lawyer Robert Kaufman, who has represented Jennifer Aniston, Roseanne and Lisa Marie Presley.

Sources say Witherspoon spoke with Kaufman about divorcing Ryan Phillippe, her husband of seven years. The couple has two children. They met at Witherspoon's 21st birthday party.

As for why Witherspoon contacted Kaufman, we're told it was not triggered by one event. Rather, one connected source says it was "cumulative."

Divorce papers have not yet been filed.

http://www.tmz.com/

Too bad,they aren't working out. They are the only Hollywood couple I currently like, because they aren't overexposed.

I always thought that they seemed pretty solid and a non-Hollywood couple. I've read numerous articles which say that he's cheated on her while filming a new movie, but I'm not sure if I believe that. I hope its not true cos I love Reese.

Only a few days ago, when I read that his latest movie tanked, I thought "I'm surprised that he hasn't left her, because he doesn't want to live in Reese's shadow" :lol:

I always found it funny that when they first got together he was the bigger star and now all of a sudden she's an Oscar winner. That's probably one of the main problems, he could be jealous of her success. It's kind of like Chad Lowe and Hilary Swank.

Not really surprised about this one. As Gilda said above, thier celebrity status changed dramatically during thier marriage; Reese was the highest paid actress in showbiz, and he was watching the kids.

This is sad... I really hoped that they would be one of the few Hollywood couples to make it...

Ryan did sort of have some success as part of "Crash," but yeah, I always thought Reese overshadowed him in showbiz.

I'm so saddened to hear this. I really thought they'd last. They were probably the last real celebrity couple I loved seeing together. :( :mrtarver:

This is sad... I really hoped that they would be one of the few Hollywood couples to make it...

Me too!!! :( They looked so cute together!!!! :(

I was surprised. They seemed like pretty *normal* people who seemed to truly care for each other.

I guess it kind of makes sense now, she is much more famous than him now and they're approaching Brittany/KFed territory. I'm still sorry to hear it.

I was amazed that they split up.

I echo the feelings of most of the replies here.
I wanted them to last, thought they would last, hoped they would last.
This is the only time I remember being sad about a celebrity breakup.
Well, this and the Brad/Jennifer split :(

Word on the street is that Ryan got a little too close with Aussie actress (and future Hollywood "it" girl) Abbie Cornish while they were recently filming a movie together.
Miss Cornish was conspicuously absent the other night from the big NY premiere of the movie "Candy" which co stars Heath Ledger.

If Ryan cheated, that may explain why Reese has hired some mega top gun lawyers and is reportedly not going to part with any of her cash.

Remember, California is a communal property state.

;)

I hope whatever happens with the split, that they do it in the best interest for their children.

Word on the street is that Ryan got a little too close with Aussie actress (and future Hollywood "it" girl) Abbie Cornish while they were recently filming a movie together.
Miss Cornish was conspicuously absent the other night from the big NY premiere of the movie "Candy" which co stars Heath Ledger.

If Ryan cheated, that may explain why Reese has hired some mega top gun lawyers and is reportedly not going to part with any of her cash.

Remember, California is a communal property state.

;)
Yes it is, however, we have No Fault Divorce, so no matter how bad he may have been, he is entitled to 50% of earnings while married (as is she) 50% of the value of the home they bought...etc. etc. etc. WELCOME TO CALIFORNIA!

That's too bad about them. They seemed like a cute couple.

Yes it is, however, we have No Fault Divorce, so no matter how bad he may have been, he is entitled to 50% of earnings while married (as is she) 50% of the value of the home they bought...etc. etc. etc. WELCOME TO CALIFORNIA!

It seems to me that Reese wants to forget the rules and keep all her dough for herself.

Sorry sweetie, I'm sure Ryan was home watching the kids while you were off raking in the 20 mil a movie.

Pay up.

;)

ALL RIIIIIIIGHT!!!!! REESE IS NOW A FREE AGENT!!!!!!! TIME FER THE PIE-MAN TO PLAY HIS CHARMS!!!!! :love:











I wonder what her peanut butter cups are like....:grineyes: