Poppy Delevingne Opens Up About Divorce Stigma and Personal Growth

Poppy Delevingne, the 38-year-old English actress and model, has recently shared her thoughts on divorce and personal growth. In a candid interview on the Origins With Cush Jumbo podcast, Delevingne discussed the end of her marriage to businessman James Cook after nearly a decade together.

The couple, who wed in 2014 at St Paul's Church in Kensington, London, ended their relationship approximately two years ago. Delevingne reflected on their 15-year journey, which began when she was 20 years old. She stated, "I think 15 years to be with someone is a success. And sometimes these things just have to come to an end."

Delevingne, known for her roles in "Kingsman: The Golden Circle" and "Riviera," addressed the stigma surrounding divorce, particularly for women in their late thirties. She revealed that this societal pressure may have prolonged the marriage:

"It should have probably ended earlier than it did, and I think one of the reasons why it didn't is because of that stigma, which is extraordinary. I'm quite sad, actually, that we should feel that there's such a thing about it. [It's] that: 'God, she's divorced, damaged goods, no one's going to want you.'"

The actress emphasized the importance of self-love and courage in making difficult life decisions. She expressed feeling a sense of freedom and renewed youth following the divorce, stating, "When it did end, that feeling, it was this sort of, like, bubbling-up of freedom. I felt sort of 20 all over again."

Despite the challenges, Delevingne maintains a positive outlook on her past relationship. She affirmed, "There's a lot of love and respect there. It just no longer worked for us."

As a model and brand ambassador for prestigious fashion houses like Chanel, Delevingne has built a successful career in the fashion and entertainment industries. However, she expressed frustration with being labeled a socialite, stating that it "completely undermines anything of any worth that I've ever done."

Throughout her career, Delevingne has demonstrated versatility, from walking runways for Burberry to collaborating on design projects with brands like Aquazzura. Her involvement in charitable causes, including the Save the Children campaign, showcases her commitment to making a positive impact beyond the fashion world.

As Poppy Delevingne continues to navigate her personal and professional life, she remains focused on self-growth and independence. Her openness about the challenges of divorce and societal expectations contributes to an important conversation about relationships and personal fulfillment in the public eye.

The Origins With Cush Jumbo podcast featuring Delevingne's interview was released on September 10, 2024.