Why it’s important to report on celebrity marriage and relationship break-ups

Reactions from the public show that high-profile splits have an effect on people on a personal level

It’s a subject that echoes around office water coolers, through train carriages and in the homes of countless Britons.

Whether it was the tumultuous marriage of Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton in the Sixties, Prince Charles and Princess Diana’s relationship breakdown in the Nineties, or Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos and his wife MacKenzie’s divorce earlier this year (with a legal settlement estimated to be in the billions of dollars), we’ve always enjoyed discussing celebrity couple break-ups in detail – as if they were living through it themselves.

For some, talk of this might be described as superficial – mindless fodder for the tabloids that further highlight society’s insatiable thirst for gossip, regardless of the ongoing emotional turmoil.

But for others, learning about a celebrity split can be a cathartic experience, reminding them of the dangers of putting celebrities on a pedestal from which to be revered and adored.

This week, singer Miley Cyrus addressed allegations of infidelity following the recent breakdown of her marriage to actor Liam Hemsworth. The singer shared a series of posts on Twitter to shut down claims regarding alleged cheating, stating that there were “NO secrets to uncover”. Cyrus began the thread by explaining that she understands that living her life in the public eye means she must be transparent with her fans but that she “cannot accept” being told she is a liar.

This week also saw actors Sam Claflin and Laura Haddock release identical statements on social media announcing that they were separating after six years of marriage and two children together.

“We won’t be commenting on this further. Thank you in advance for your support and respecting our privacy at this time,” the pair concluded the posts.

In addition, BBC radio presenter Maya Jama and Grime musician Stormzy confirmed that they had called time on their four-year relationship, days after the pair were spotted celebrating Jama’s 25th birthday party in London.

Celebrity relationship drama might not carry the same weight as conversations relating to Brexit, international politics or sport. But if the international upset following the end of Brangelina or Channing Tatum and Jenna Dewan last year (sparking headlines stating that “Love is dead”) is anything to go by, high-profile splits have an effect on people on a personal level.

If anything, a celebrity’s break-up shows the world that no one is immune to sadness and heartbreak and that it’s a dangerous thing too view their romance in some fairy-tale light.

Yours,

Katie O’Malley

Assistant lifestyle editor