Isla Fisher
Contact with star divorce lawyer long before separation from Sacha Baron Cohen
© David Crotty/Patrick McMullan/Getty Images
Sacha Baron Cohen and Isla Fisher recently posted an unexpected message on social media: The couple is divorcing after almost 14 years of marriage. Now it comes to light how long the actress had been planning the separation.
A Hollywood marriage falls apart. Sacha Baron Cohen, 52, and Isla Fisher, 48, announced their marriage breakup on Friday, April 5, 2024. The two actors have been married since 2010 and raised three children together. However, they have been separated since last year – and it apparently didn’t happen spontaneously.
Sacha Baron Cohen and Isla Fisher confirm their separation
On Friday, both Sacha Baron Cohen and Isla Fisher released an official statement on their respective Instagram stories. “After a long tennis match that lasted over twenty years, we are finally putting down the rackets. In 2023 we have jointly applied to end our marriage,” it said. And further: “We have always valued our private lives and have worked quietly on this change. Our devotion and love for our children will unite us forever. We sincerely appreciate that you respect our family’s desire for privacy.” The two comedians also published a photo that shows them in white tennis outfits.
Isla Fisher contacted a divorce lawyer two years ago
Now insiders reveal that Isla Fisher apparently planned the separation long beforehand. According to reports, she told friends as early as 2022 that she had sought the advice of a renowned divorce lawyer. She is said to have secretly contacted Baroness Fiona Shackleton, who, according to the Daily Mail, charges an hourly rate of around 640 euros and was previously involved in the multi-million dollar divorce of Sir Paul McCartney, 81, and Heather Mills, 56 . During their conversation, Shackleton is said to have advised the actress and her husband, who supposedly have a marriage contract, to take the “amicable route”. The two could therefore try to reach an agreement on Sacha’s assets of around 46 million euros.
“Isla had known for some time that the marriage was over and after some difficult conversations with Sacha, she decided to consult a divorce lawyer. That was in early summer 2022,” a source told The Sun. Fiona Shackleton was recommended to her by a mutual acquaintance. She was also suggested to consult a lawyer in the USA, where the couple have a shared residence. “Fiona is an incredible lawyer and absolutely terrifying in terms of both reputation and skills,” the insider continued. The couple should try to keep the matter as amicable as possible for the sake of the children. “But if the mood changes, Fiona will make sure she does a thorough job for her client Isla.”
Sacha Baron Cohen is also said to have brought expert support on board. The British native has reportedly spoken to Laura Wasser, who represented Johnny Depp, 60, in his divorce from Amber Heard, 37.
Surprising timing for announcement
The timing of the announcement of their separation is no coincidence. For weeks now, the “Borat” star has been having a highly publicized argument with fellow actress Rebel Wilson, 44. In her recently published biography, she accuses him of sexual harassment during the joint filming of the comedy “The Spy and His Brother” (original title “The Brothers Grimsby “) from 2016 and called him a “huge asshole” on social media.
Meanwhile, Isla Fisher remained silent – both about the allegations against her husband and about her relationship status. After weeks of radio silence, she only returned a few days ago with a selfie that she showed with her friends Naomi Watts, 55, the Australian producer Bruna Papandrea and Michelle Dockery, 42, in a London theater.
Source used: instagram.com