Jennifer Lopez’s best friend Leah Remini has filed for divorce from Angelo Pagan after almost three decades of marriage. The actress and former member of the Church of Scientology shared a statement on her social networks announcing the news.
“After 28 years together and 21 years of marriage, we have decided to file for divorce,” Leah and Angelo’s joint message, posted on X, formerly Twitter, read. “The decision came after much thought and care, and as complicated as a divorce can be, we are approaching this with a positive outlook because we know it is what is best for us.” The now ex-couple, who share a 20-year-old daughter, Sofia, will peacefully continue to co-parent the youngster. “We are proud of how we have gotten through this together.”
© Getty ImagesLeah Remini & boyfriend Angelo Pagan (Photo by Gregg DeGuire/WireImage)
“We have some things to figure out as we move into our new normal, still together in many ways and apart in some new ones,” Leah and Angelo added. “But here’s the thing: We’ve been best friends for so many years. We still celebrate the holidays together, watch our favorite TV shows together, and come together as a family.” They added, “We hope our journey can inspire others to see that relationships, whether they change or end, are not failures.”
What was the reason for your divorce?
The former couple shared the reasons for their split. “Simply put, we both changed, as people do, and became accustomed to playing roles that no longer fit us,” they wrote in their statement. “After much effort and consideration, we have decided to take this step, which reflects who we are today. Our bond remains strong, it has simply evolved into something different.”
© Getty ImagesAngelo Pagan and Leah Remini at the HollyRod 20th Annual DesignCare at Cross Creek Farm in July 2018 in Malibu, California. (Photo by Tiffany Rose/Getty Images for HollyRod Foundation)
The two concluded by saying, “We believe that a marriage that lasted so long and created so many beautiful memories, especially raising our amazing daughter, is something to celebrate. From our perspective, this marriage was a great success. And now, we look forward to creating even more precious moments, just in a different way.”
The announcement comes a week after Leah’s longtime friend Jennifer Lopez also filed for divorce from Ben Affleck, two years after they tied the knot in a lavish wedding in Georgia.
Unlike Leah, JLo has not released any statement and cited “irreconcilable differences” as the reason for her divorce. A source close to Lopez revealed that the singer struggled with Affleck’s moods and emotions. Lopez “spent a lot of time making sure Ben was happy and had everything he needed,” a source told PEOPLE“The way she looked after him was almost childlike,” they continued. “Friends constantly reminded her that she is not responsible for his feelings. He is very moody and dark at times. Jennifer appreciates life in a different way. She is very grateful for everything.”
© Getty ImagesJennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck split after two years together
A source close to Jennifer Garner claims that Affleck can be difficult to handle. “He doesn’t have good coping skills. He gets frustrated easily and tends to be moody. When he’s relaxed and in a good mood, he’s wonderful to be around,” the source said. “But more often, he’s upset or frustrated.”
“A lot of times, it’s just something small that he gets stuck on,” the source continued. “He doesn’t really understand how his bad mood affects the people around him. It’s just not fun to be around that kind of negativity.”
