In a heartfelt statement shared on their Instagram stories, acclaimed actors Sacha Baron Cohen and Isla Fisher have announced their decision to divorce after 20 years of marriage. The couple, who tied the knot in 2010 and share three children together, revealed that they had quietly filed for divorce last year.
Accompanying a photograph of themselves dressed in tennis attire, the pair wrote, “After a long tennis match lasting over 20 years, we are finally putting our racquets down.” They emphasized their unwavering commitment to prioritizing their privacy and their shared devotion to their children, requesting that the public respect their family’s wish for privacy during this challenging time.
Baron Cohen and Fisher’s love story began when they first met at a party in Sydney, Australia, back in 2001. In an interview with The New York Times, the Borat star fondly recalled the instant connection he felt with Fisher, as they bonded over their shared sense of humor and their ability to “take the mick out of the other people at the party.” The couple got engaged in 2004 and eventually married in a private ceremony in Paris six years later.
Throughout their illustrious careers, both Baron Cohen and Fisher have achieved remarkable success in the entertainment industry. Baron Cohen rose to global prominence in the 1990s with his iconic and controversial characters, such as Ali G, Borat, and Bruno. His fearless and often provocative performances have earned him both critical acclaim and a dedicated fan base. Meanwhile, Fisher’s breakthrough role came in the 2005 romantic comedy Wedding Crashers, where she showcased her impeccable comedic timing alongside Vince Vaughn and Owen Wilson. She has since starred in numerous successful films, including Confessions of a Shopaholic, Now You See Me, and Keeping Up with the Joneses. In addition to her acting career, Fisher has also ventured into the world of literature, authoring a series of beloved children’s books.
The announcement of their divorce comes amidst recent controversy surrounding Baron Cohen and Australian actress Rebel Wilson. In her forthcoming memoir, set to be released in the United States and later in the United Kingdom, Wilson alleges that she experienced humiliation and sexual harassment while working with Baron Cohen on the 2016 film Grimsby. She describes feeling like she was being treated like “the fat girl on the playground” and compared Baron Cohen’s behavior to that of a “fourth-grade bully.” However, Baron Cohen has vehemently denied any impropriety, asserting that Wilson’s portrayal of the shooting experience is “demonstrably false.” The legal dispute has led to the postponement of the memoir’s UK release date to April 25th.
As Sacha Baron Cohen and Isla Fisher navigate this new chapter in their lives, they remain steadfast in their commitment to co-parenting their children and maintaining the privacy they have always cherished throughout their relationship. The couple’s statement serves as a reminder of the challenges and complexities that can arise in even the most seemingly perfect partnerships. While their decision to separate may come as a surprise to many, their request for privacy and respect during this difficult time is a testament to their unwavering dedication to their family and their desire to move forward with grace and dignity.
