Friends say “it’s worse than anyone knows”
It’s been branded Nicole Kidman’s “divorce tell all” after she spoke out about life after her split from Keith Urban in a wide-ranging interview with Variety, in which she talked cryptically about the break down of their 19 year relationship.
“This year and my next few years are for adventures,” the Oscar-winning Australian, who shares daughters Sunday Rose, 17, and Faith Margaret, 14, with her ex, said. “I’m at a certain time in my life. I’m going to do the things I’ve always dreamt of doing that are not anything to do with work. Just to do with exploration.”
When asked if she was “doing all right” following the former couple’s high profile split in September, she replied “I am”.
What did Nicole Kidman say?
“I’m always going to be moving forward towards what’s good,” she said as she confirmed she’ll continue to live in Nashville with her two children. “What I’m grateful for is my family and keeping them as is and moving forward. That’s that..
“Everything else I don’t discuss out of respect. I am staying in a place of, ‘We are a family”, and that’s what we’ll continue to be. My beautiful girls, my darlings, who are suddenly women.”
But a showbiz insider tells Woman’s Day it was what the Aussie actress didn’t say – including even being able to utter her exes’ name – that was most telling of all.
How Nicole really feels about the divorce
“It’s polished, dignified and respectful but if you read between the lines it’s becoming clear the situation between her and Keith is even worse than anyone thinks,” says the insider.
“She never names him, doesn’t explain why they split. She doesn’t care to and knows from friends like Jennifer Aniston how easy it is to regret talking about broken relationships.
According to the friend, twice-divorced Nicole knows better than to “lash out”.
“Nicole’s taking the same approach she did with Tom and there were plenty of times she wanted to lash out after that divorce.
“But there are moments in this interview when she says a lot more than it seems. Making a point of ‘staying in a place of family’ reaffirms her mission to remain focused on the girls while hinting that she’s having to ignore a lot of outside noise about ‘not so family friendly’ stuff to do so. It’s basically code for ‘I’m not going to burn him publicly but I’m not going to pretend everything’s perfect’.
Inside their divorce deal
While on the surface their divorce settlement seemed to be easily navigated from a legal perspective, sources have previously revealed that Nicole put up a strong fight for custody behind the scenes.
According to the custody agreement, which Page Six obtained, Nicole has their daughters for 306 days of the year, while Keith has them for 59 days – every other weekend from Saturday morning to Sunday night.
“The one thing that became a sticking point was custody of Sunday and Faith,” a source told the Daily Mail. “Keith was initially asking for equal time with their daughters.
“It was an especially stressful time for Nic,” the source explained. “After almost 20 years of marriage, she certainly knows how stubborn Keith can be. She was anxious and distressed that he wasn’t going to budge.”
Nicole famously lost her kids in her divorce to Tom Cruise, so she didn’t want history repeating itself. That’s one reason why she’s being so careful about what she says about Keith now, says our insider.
“It’s clear Nicole is holding back. She doesn’t want to talk about Keith dating twentysomethings as it would only explode into headlines and drag the girls into it, but she doesn’t deny it either,” adds the source. “They’re struggling enough with his new domestic situation.”
With rumours rife that the constant media attention on Keith’s relationships since the breakup has put strain on with his daughters, Nicole is worried about what that means for them all.
“Nicole is playing it smart and classy but she’s disappointed it’s ended like this. Keith always had his weaknesses and flaws, but this divorce has brought out a side to him that she doesn’t understand.
“She hopes they can one day be in the same room without any discomfort because there will be unavoidable occasions like birthdays and weddings. For now she’s staying laser focused on the girls and her work – and showing Keith a little piece of what he’s missing. Not everyone gets to do a post-divorce lingerie shoot in Vanity Fair.”