Jodie Turner-Smith has opened up about the end of her marriage to Joshua Jackson, describing it as a “brave” decision. The Queen & Slim actress, who was married to the Fatal Attraction star for four years, spoke to the UK’s Sunday Times about their relationship and the split, which was announced in October 2023.
Why Does She See It as Brave?
Turner-Smith does not view her divorce as a failure. She believes that recognizing when something isn’t working and making a move is courageous. “We had a beautiful moment together,” she said, “and now it’s time for a new moment for both of us. And how exciting! The bravest thing in the world is to recognize when something’s not working and to make a move, and I always want to set that kind of example for my daughter.”
She emphasized that the decision to part ways is about moving towards a better life for everyone involved. The actress feels that the split is filled with as much love and joy as their marriage once was. She wants to ensure her daughter grows up understanding the importance of making healthy choices.
What Is Her Focus Now?
Turner-Smith and Jackson share a 3-year-old daughter. The actress is seeking joint custody with Jackson, as revealed in court documents obtained by PEOPLE. Turner-Smith continues to prioritize her daughter’s happiness and well-being.
She expressed that sometimes things don’t work out as planned, and that’s okay. The most important thing is to choose what’s healthiest for oneself and one’s family. She believes that staying in an unhealthy situation leaves visible scars, not just on oneself but on everyone around.
How Is She Handling Public Opinion?
Turner-Smith has remained mostly silent about the divorce, even amid online speculation. She explained that engaging with social media chatter is a losing battle. She understands that she is not alone in experiencing a divorce, as many others go through similar situations.
She appreciates that the internet can sometimes offer a sense of community. Turner-Smith chooses not to respond to every opinion and instead focuses on her own journey and decisions.
What Did Joshua Jackson Say?
Before Turner-Smith filed for divorce, Jackson spoke to the Times in April 2023 about their relationship. He mentioned that they understood each other well and had enough differences to keep things interesting. Jackson also expressed his love for Turner-Smith when looking at their daughter, calling her the manifestation of their love.
Jackson and Turner-Smith met at Usher’s 40th birthday party in 2018. Turner-Smith had a crush on Jackson’s Dawson’s Creek character, Pacey Witter. They shared a memorable first encounter, which Turner-Smith once reminisced about on Late Night With Seth Meyers, describing their initial meeting as a one-night stand that turned into a long-term relationship.
How Did Their Relationship Begin?
The couple quietly tied the knot in 2019 and welcomed their daughter in April 2020. Turner-Smith often reflected on their unique love story, which began with a spontaneous connection that grew into a deep and meaningful relationship.
Despite the end of their marriage, Turner-Smith and Jackson seem committed to co-parenting their daughter and moving forward positively. Turner-Smith’s reflections on the divorce highlight her focus on making the best choices for her and her family’s future.
Conclusion
Jodie Turner-Smith’s decision to end her marriage to Joshua Jackson is seen by her as a brave and necessary step. By prioritizing her and her daughter’s well-being, she hopes to set a positive example. As she navigates this new chapter, Turner-Smith continues to focus on love, joy, and healthy choices for her family.
