Gwyneth Paltrow has addressed the public’s strong reaction to her use of the term “conscious uncoupling” during her split from musician Chris Martin in 2014. The phrase sparked considerable debate and concern among those who felt it implied they had handled their own divorces incorrectly. In an interview featured in the November 2023 issue of British Vogue, Paltrow reflected on the feelings that arose from her and Martin’s choices.
Paltrow noted that divorce is a deeply emotional subject, stating, “There’s a lot of hurt around divorce.” She expressed understanding for those who reacted negatively, explaining that many interpreted their statement as a suggestion that traditional divorce methods were flawed. “I think why people got so upset was that they heard, ‘Well, then, we did it wrong’ or ‘My parents did it wrong,’ which I understand,” she acknowledged.
The former couple, who share two children—Apple, now 21, and Moses, 19—emphasized their commitment to co-parenting through their separation. They assured their friends and family that they “always will be a family.” Paltrow described their approach as an attempt to create a positive model for others, saying, “We had so many friends who had been so hurt by divorce that we wanted to try to do it a different way.”
Reflecting on their experience, Paltrow expressed pride in how they managed their separation. “I’m still so proud that we did that and that we live it,” she said. She mentioned receiving gratitude from many individuals who appreciated the example she and Martin set. “I cannot tell you how many people come up to me and thank me for that, and for helping to create that template,” she stated.
With their unique journey, Paltrow suggested that there might be a need for a book detailing their experiences. She admitted, “We f***** a lot of things up and then we got a lot of things right.”
In the years following her separation from Martin, Paltrow married director Brad Falchuk. In her interview, she discussed how her home life offers a refuge from the complexities of the outside world, saying, “I do believe there’s a strange energy in the world right now and I like to disconnect from it as much as possible.”
Paltrow described her home as a place of peace, where she feels fortunate to have a strong bond with Falchuk. She stated, “I could just be with him in the most simple of all surroundings and be totally fulfilled and in a good place.”
The full interview will be available in British Vogue starting on October 21, 2023, for both digital download and in print. Readers can explore the complete feature online at vogue.co.uk/article/gwyneth-paltrow-british-vogue-interview.
