Published: 7:58 pm PST, February 25, 2024
Jodie Turner-Smith speaks publicly for the first time about her divorce from Joshua Jackson.
In a new interview with The Times published on Sunday, the 37-year-old actress explained the reason why she filed for divorce from the 45-year-old Dawson's Creek actor in October 2023.
“Sometimes things that we really want to work on just don't end up working out,” said Turner-Smith, who shares 3-year-old daughter Juno Rose Diana Jackson with Jackson. “And that’s okay. The most important thing is that you choose what is healthiest for you and your family and certainly for your children.”
The “Queen & Slim” star offered some relationship advice and said that everyone should take a moment every now and then to re-evaluate and ask themselves if they are truly living their most authentic life.
She added: “If the answer is no, you need to do something because I believe that staying in places that are not good for us leaves visible scars. And they affect not only us, but everyone around us.”
Of her relationship with Jackson, Turner-Smith said, “I don't think it's a failure.”
“We obviously had such a lovely moment together,” she continued. “And now it’s time for a new moment for both of us. And how exciting! The bravest thing in the world is recognizing when something isn't working and taking action, and I always want to set an example like that for my daughter.”
She concluded: “The big takeaway is that this is about just as much love and joy as ever. It’s just about taking a step forward towards a better life for everyone involved.”
Turner-Smith and Jackson married in December 2019 and a year later they welcomed their daughter in April 2020. However, their love story ended in October 2023 when Turner-Smith filed for divorce after three years of marriage.
In court documents previously obtained by ET, the former couple's separation date was listed as September 13, 2023. Turner-Smith is seeking joint custody of her daughter and asking that neither party be awarded spousal support. She also wants Jackson to pay attorney fees and costs.
Following the divorce filing, a source told ET that “the couple's hectic work schedules began to put a strain on their relationship over a year ago as they filmed both projects and were not always in the same location.”
Since their breakup, Jackson appears to be moving on with Lupita Nyong'o. Just weeks after Turner-Smith filed for divorce, Jackson was spotted with 40-year-old Nyong'o at a Janelle Monáe concert in Los Angeles. Two months later, the couple was spotted holding hands on a romantic stroll near their car camp resort in Joshua Tree, California.
A source told ET at the time, “Joshua and Lupita are enjoying spending time together. Things are still new, but they have a fun and flirty vibe with each other. Their friends aren’t surprised they connected.”
Meanwhile, Turner-Smith attended the Casamigos Halloween party in Los Angeles arm in arm with a mystery man in October 2023.
As for how Turner-Smith feels about her ex's rumored new romance, a source told ET in December that the model and actress can focus on her work and “be the best mom she can be.”
“Jodie doesn’t pay too much attention to Joshua’s dating life,” the source shared. “She is doing great and has surrounded herself with people who are loyal to her and love her. She always had a positive, fun energy and will continue to do so. She’s focused on work and being the best mom she can be.”
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