Kevin Costner ‘Had Strong Suspicions’ About Ex-Wife

Kevin Costner ‘Had Strong Suspicions’ About Ex-Wife

Kevin Costner’s Divorce Overshadowed by Ex-Wife Christine’s Close Bond with Financier Josh Connor, Sources Say

Kevin Costner’s bitter divorce from Christine Baumgartner has taken on new dimensions as details emerge surrounding her increasingly close relationship with financier Josh Connor. According to insiders, Costner had long harbored suspicions about the nature of their bond—well before the couple officially went public with their romance.

The actor, 69, and Baumgartner, 49, officially split after nearly two decades of marriage, but those close to the situation claim their divorce proceedings were weighed down by an unspoken tension: Connor’s growing presence in Baumgartner’s life. A source close to the family described the situation as “a real elephant in the room” during the early stages of their separation.

Connor, a former neighbor of the couple, was seen with Baumgartner in public as early as the summer of 2023—months before the divorce was finalized. Their appearance together in Hawaii raised eyebrows, fueling speculation about whether something deeper was brewing between them even before the paperwork was signed. While Baumgartner maintains the relationship turned romantic only “relatively recently,” some believe the emotional closeness between them was undeniable even then.

“Kevin always felt something was going on,” said one source. “He couldn’t shake the feeling that Christine and Josh were more than just friends, even if they hadn’t crossed the line yet.”

Fueling Costner’s unease were legal maneuvers by Baumgartner during their contentious divorce. At one point, she requested detailed financial records from Costner, leading the actor to question her motives and possibly suspect infidelity. In court documents filed in August 2023, Costner stated that he “does not know for a fact” whether Baumgartner had an affair before their split, but clearly implied he had doubts.

Meanwhile, Baumgartner sought to defend herself in court, testifying that she and Connor were merely friends when the now-controversial Hawaii trip took place. She added that Connor had lent her $20,000 during the difficult period—half of which she gave to her mother, and the other half she eventually repaid.

Regardless of the timeline, it’s clear that Connor became a central figure in Baumgartner’s life as she navigated the emotional and financial complexities of her divorce. Described by friends as a “rock” and a source of “emotional stability,” Connor reportedly stood by her side during the most challenging phases of the breakup.

While Baumgartner has moved forward with Connor, Costner has not remained alone. The Hollywood icon has been romantically linked to Grammy-winning singer Jewel since December. Sources close to Baumgartner have said she believes Costner “has no reason to complain” given his own romantic developments.

The divorce itself, which played out publicly, was marked by accusations, legal filings, and intense scrutiny. Costner and Baumgartner sparred over child support payments, housing arrangements, and alleged post-nuptial agreements. At times, the proceedings felt like a soap opera unraveling in real life, captivating fans and tabloids alike.

Despite the drama, both parties appear to be turning the page. Costner is reportedly focused on his acting and directing work, particularly the epic multi-part Western “Horizon,” while Baumgartner and Connor are said to be taking things slow but steady as their relationship evolves.

Observers note that while Costner may have his suspicions, no evidence has surfaced to conclusively suggest Baumgartner was unfaithful. “It’s all about perception,” said one legal expert familiar with the case. “If Christine felt emotionally supported by Josh during a hard time, that doesn’t necessarily equal an affair. But in the context of a high-stakes divorce, perceptions can fuel legal and personal tensions.”

For now, the dust appears to be settling. Both Costner and Baumgartner are carving out new paths, separately but definitively. Whether the past will stay in the past remains to be seen, but the undercurrent of emotional complexity between the former spouses—and the man at the center of it all—continues to linger.

Read more

Kevin Costner’s Divorce Overshadowed by Ex-Wife Christine’s Close Bond with Financier Josh Connor, Sources Say Kevin Costner’s bitter divorce from Christine Baumgartner has taken on new dimensions as details emerge surrounding her increasingly close relationship with financier Josh Connor. According to insiders, Costner had long harbored suspicions about the nature of their bond—well before the…