A viral photo of Nicole Kidman in a red patterned top, its accompanying green capri pants, and matching sneakers has been regarded as a post-divorce celebratory shot for years. Nicole had just finalized her split from Tom Cruise in 2001 when the picture went public, and fans concluded that she was relishing her newfound freedom.
Nicole finally addressed the rumors during a recent interview with British GQ, noting that the backstory of the candid shot is far from whatever speculations have made rounds online. The 57-year-old looked like she was rejoicing, as she seemed to throw both hands in the air while clapping.
Nicole Kidman tells the story behind her Tom Cruise divorce celebration photo
Contrary to what most people thought, Nicole said she was trying to take off a painfully tight borrowed ring and was being careful not to ruin it in the process. The iconic actress finally killed the longstanding narrative, putting to rest any thoughts that she was overjoyed by her failed marriage.
Tom and Nicole’s union ended in its eleventh year, with the couple stating irreconcilable differences as the reason for their split. They share two children, Bella and Connor, who have grown to keep their distance from Nicole due to religious reasons. They both attend the church of Scientology with their dad.
Nicole Kidman and Tom Cruise’s relationship
Nicole immediately developed a crush on Tom while working with him on Days of Thunder in 1990. They got married the following year in an intimate ceremony and were ready to start a family immediately. After many failed trials to conceive, they ended up adopting Bella and Connor.
Both stars have moved on, with Nicole currently married to songwriter and guitarist Keith Urban and Tom having another daughter with Katie Holmes. The legendary actor is estranged from his last daughter, Suri, likely because she refused to practice Scientology like her older siblings.