Elliot Page and Emma Portner speak out on ‘difficult decision’ to divorce: ‘We have the utmost respect for each other’
Emma Portner (L) and Elliot Page. (Jeremy Chan/Getty Images)
Elliot Page and Emma Portner have opened up about their “difficult decision” to divorce.
In a joint statement released to the press, the couple revealed that they plan to “remain close friends” and separated in the summer of 2020.
Even as Page came out as trans in December, Portner, a 26-year-old professional dancer and choreographer, threw her support to her former spouse and even sparred with transphobic trolls who sought to challenge their relationship.
But it is understood that Page, the 33-year-old star of Juno and Umbrella Academy, handed in court documents to the Manhattan Supreme Court in New York, US. Amicably dissolving their three-year-long marriage.
“After much thought and careful consideration, we have made the difficult decision to divorce following our separation last summer,” Elliot Page and Emma Portner both explained in a statement to the press released Tuesday (26 January), according to USA Today.
“We have the utmost respect for each other and remain close friends.”
Elliot Page: ‘I knew right away we were both creative spirits’
The pair, they told the New York Times, were a rather modern-day romance – meeting on Instagram in the Spring of 2017.
Page told the newspaper that he saw Portner’s profile, which the then 23-year-old had filled with dance videos, and became transfixed.
“I thought, damn, this girl is so talented and so cool,” Page recalled. “I knew right away we were both creative spirits.”
Elliot Page (L) and dancer Emma Portner. (Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic)
In January 2018, Page announced that he and the Broadway Dance Center jazz teacher had married. Taking to social media, he shared a heartwarming snap of the couple’s hands, showing off their sparkling wedding rings.
“Can’t believe I get to call this extraordinary woman my wife,” Page’s Instagram caption read at the time.
After Page publicly came out as trans, Portner became one of his most unwavering and unapologetic supporters. “I am so proud of Elliot Page,” Portner wrote on Instagram.
“Trans, queer and non-binary people are a gift to this world. I also ask for patience and privacy but that you join me in the fervent support of trans life every single day.
“Elliot’s existence is a gift in and of itself. Shine on sweet E. Love you so much.”
