Isla Fisher and Sacha Baron Cohen might be keeping a low profile since announcing their divorce in April, but behind the scenes, friends are reportedly picking sides amid the end of their 23-year relationship. The couple, once seen as one of Hollywood’s most solid pairs, is now navigating the complexities of a high-profile separation, with alliances shifting and new dynamics emerging among their social circles.
Hollywood Friends Favor Sacha Baron Cohen
A source told InTouch that several of the couple’s A-list friends, including Owen Wilson, Vince Vaughn, Ben Stiller, and Will Ferrell, seem to have taken Baron Cohen’s side in the divorce. This may come as a surprise to some, given Fisher’s connections with these stars and the ongoing controversy surrounding Baron Cohen, who is 52, especially after allegations made by fellow star Rebel Wilson earlier this year.
“Even though people assume Isla is close to Owen Wilson because of their work on ‘Wedding Crashers’ together, Sacha was the one who was friends with Owen first and helped get Isla in that movie,” the insider revealed. “Similarly, he has tight relationships with Vince Vaughn, Ben Stiller, and Will Ferrell that are going to come in extra-handy as he navigates these unknown waters,” the insider told InTouch. These friendships, forged over years of collaboration and mutual respect, are now playing a crucial role in Baron Cohen’s support network during this challenging period.
The PR Crisis for Sacha Baron Cohen
The source added that Baron Cohen is in “a full-blown PR crisis right now” as he manages the fallout from his divorce and the accusations made by Rebel Wilson, his ‘The Brothers Grimsby’ co-star. Shortly before Fisher and Baron Cohen announced their split, Wilson accused the actor of pressuring her to perform a lewd act and to appear nude on camera while filming the 2016 movie. These allegations have added another layer of complexity to an already tumultuous situation.
Baron Cohen’s PR crisis is not just about managing his public image but also about safeguarding his legacy and career. The timing of Wilson’s revelations, coming just before the public announcement of the divorce, has reportedly left Baron Cohen feeling like a “bona fide villain,” according to the source. “That means he needs to make this divorce as painless as possible, especially with his already fragile public image hanging in the balance,” the insider claimed.
“He has amassed a huge fortune from his film and TV work,” the source continued. “He totally has the money to be more than fair to Isla after all their time together. But he also is leaning on his decades of comedy contacts who are fiercely loyal to him.” This loyalty from his comedy colleagues could be pivotal in helping him weather the storm and maintain his career momentum despite the personal and professional challenges he faces.
Isla Fisher’s Approach to the Divorce
On the other hand, Fisher is reportedly determined to keep things amicable. The source claimed: “For the sake of their kids, Isla is not going to draw this out into a long fight, but she’s also not going to settle for anything less than fair from Sacha, nor should she.” Fisher’s priority is clearly her children’s well-being and maintaining a sense of normalcy and stability in their lives.
“She was his rock of support during his rise to fame in America, and absolutely contributed to his incredible success,” the insider emphasized. Fisher’s contributions to Baron Cohen’s career and their family life are significant, and she is committed to ensuring that the divorce settlement reflects that. The couple’s three children, two daughters and a son, are at the heart of Fisher’s considerations as she navigates this difficult period.
Fisher and Baron Cohen married in 2010 after nine years together. At the time of their divorce, they were based in Fisher’s home country, Australia. They announced their split in a joint statement shared on their Instagram Stories, revealing that they had secretly separated at the end of 2023.
“After a long tennis match lasting over twenty years, we are finally putting our racquets down. In 2023, we jointly filed to end our marriage,” they wrote. This metaphor of a long tennis match captures the endurance and effort that went into their relationship, acknowledging both the highs and lows they experienced together.
“We have always prioritized our privacy and have been quietly working through this change,” they added. “We forever share in our devotion and love for our children. We sincerely appreciate your respecting our family’s wish for privacy.” This plea for privacy underscores their desire to protect their children and themselves from the relentless scrutiny that often accompanies high-profile divorces.
The Impact of the Divorce on Their Careers
The divorce and the surrounding drama are likely to have significant implications for both Fisher and Baron Cohen’s careers. Baron Cohen’s need to manage his public image carefully is paramount, especially in light of the recent allegations against him. His ability to navigate this PR crisis while maintaining his professional commitments will be closely watched by both fans and industry insiders.
Fisher, on the other hand, may find new opportunities and challenges as she steps out of the shadow of her marriage. Known for her talent and versatility, she has the potential to carve out a new chapter in her career, focusing on projects that resonate with her personally and professionally.
Moving Forward
As Fisher and Baron Cohen move forward with their lives post-divorce, their focus remains on their children and maintaining a sense of normalcy. The support from friends and colleagues will play a crucial role in helping both of them navigate this transition. While the end of their marriage marks the closing of one chapter, it also signifies the beginning of a new journey for both Fisher and Baron Cohen.
The public, meanwhile, will undoubtedly continue to follow their story, drawn by the mix of personal drama and professional intrigue that has characterized their lives together. As they each step into the future, their actions and decisions will be closely scrutinized, shaping the narrative of their next chapters both individually and collectively.
