22 August 2023 , 16:46
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Natalie Portman and her husband Benjamin Millepied have shown they are committed to "rebuilding their relationship", according to an expert.
The couple were said to have split earlier this month following reports the dancer cheated on his wife of more than a decade with a 25-year-old climate activist. However, they've now been seen reuniting at the FIFA Women's World Cup final.
At Sunday night's match in Sydney, Australia, Natalie and Benjamin were seen with their 12-year-old son Aleph. The Black Swan star was pictured hugging her son before her husband took Aleph during half-time.
Relationship expert Louella Alderson has said the couple seem to be working on their issues. However, she warned they have a tough road ahead.
Natalie Portman reunited with her husband after his alleged affair (Splash News / Shutterstock 2023)Speaking exclusively to The Mirror, she explained: "Reconciliation after infidelity is a complex process that involves various factors, such as rebuilding trust over time and effective communication. For some couples, it's possible to reconcile and rebuild a healthy relationship. But other couples find it too difficult to repair the relationship after an affair.
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"Trust takes time to rebuild, and it requires consistent effort. If the cheating allegations are true and they want to work it out, Natalie needs to be receptive to Benjamin's efforts and he needs to be willing to show her that he's committed through his actions."
Louella, co-founder of the So Syncd dating app, said Benjamin needs to "take responsibility for his mistakes". She also suggested he shows Natalie he has a "genuine desire to change any unhealthy behaviours".
She added: "Understanding the root cause of the cheating can help couples work out how they can work through issues." The dating expert also said effective communication is essential to couples hoping to reconcile after an affair.
Benjamin Millepied was with their son during the second half of the match (Media-Mode / SplashNews.com)"If Natalie and Benjamin are to have a chance at mending their relationship, they must be willing to take the necessary steps that will enable them to move forward together in a healthy and positive manner," she said. "As long as both of them are committed to trying to make their relationship work, there's a chance that they can move on from a betrayal."
Speaking about their reunion at the World Cup match, Louella said it suggests the pair are "working towards rebuilding their relationship". She added: "By attending a public event together, they could be signalling that they are making an effort to move past the hurt and rebuild trust. It's possible that they have had serious conversations about their relationship, and this could be a sign of hope for the future of their romance."
She also suggested Natalie and Benjamin are prioritising their son by coming together as a family unit. "Maintaining normalcy and stability in a child's life is important, regardless of the parent’s relationship status," Louella said. Ultimately, she said it is up to Natalie to decide whether she can give Benjamin a second chance.