No Ball And Chain For These Celebrities Who Believe In Open Relationships
It might be easy to assume that once you’ve landed the man or woman of your dreams that you’d remain faithful to them forever. Doubly so for celebrities, who often end up partnering with beautiful people that the rest of us could only dream of dating. But monogamy simply doesn’t work for everyone, and that also applies to some of the biggest stars out there – even the ones who are paired with the dreamiest of lovers. For a variety of reasons, the following celebrities have bent the rules of dating and marriage. Whether it’s to keep things more exciting or simply an aversion to commitment, these stars are rumored to be completely cool with open relationships.
Robin Thicke & Paula Patton
After having a fairly open marriage, Patton called it quits with Thicke. The couple is known for throwing others into their bed, but apparently, one particular invitee, a massage therapist, took a liking to Thicke when his wife wasn’t around.
Since divorcing, Thicke tried to impress his ex with a flopped album dedicated to her name, but it didn’t charm her.
Pink & Carey Hart
After splitting back in 2008 due to an unclear and uncomfortable open-door policy in the bedroom, Pink and Hart seem to be giving their marriage a second chance.
This time around, the couple is keeping their relationship just between the two of them. It looks like monogamy works better for this power couple.
Zac Efron & Vanessa Hudgens
This couple was very different in real life than their on-screen relationship. After Efron refused to settle down until he was 40, Hudgens reportedly suggested an open relationship.
This didn’t work out for the couple in the long run, and it resulted in a split. Hudgens also even admitted that she had a hard time with the deal and was often jealous.
Rita Wilson and Tom Hanks
Rita Wilson released a video for her song, “Forgiving Me, Forgiving You” that led listeners to wonder whether she and husband, actor Tom Hanks, cheated on each other during their 28 years and counting together. In similar fashion to Mr. and Mrs. Smith co-stars Angelina Jolie and Brat Pitt getting together, Hanks was married at the time he met his future wife, Wilson, on the set of the 1985 film Volunteers.
“Well, yeah, I did happen to be married at the time," Hanks admitted. "And there’s nothing to celebrate about that.” The lyrics in Wilson's new song describe her real-life relationship problems and hint at infidelity. It also tells a story of a couple who decides to stick together, through it all.
Rachael Ray & John Cusimano
Although Ray and Cusimano haven’t officially confirmed just how open their relationship actually is, Cusimano has been seen going to the swingers club called Checkmate in Manhattan multiple times.
He is also open about taking other women out on dates. Despite society calling the relationship unhealthy, Ray confirms that they are happily and blissfully married.
Tilda Swinton & John Byrne
While the partners are currently raising twins together, they’re also seeing double in the bedroom. Reportedly, Swinton and Byrne both have partners outside of their marriage.
Swinton admits that it’s not something she tries to promote as a radical lifestyle choice, but that it is the best situation for the children.
Nicole Kidman & Keith Urban
It looks as though the couple from down under are also getting down under the sheets. After divorcing Tom Cruise, Kidman fell in love with country crooner Urban and they married in 2006. Several sources have claimed that they are in an open marriage, which explains why Urban was often seen with singer Kelsey Ballerina during his tour. Others have said that Kidman was not okay with cheating but trusted her husband to make smart decisions. Then again, she was married to Tom Cruise for 11 years so she can probably handle a ton of crazy.
LeBron & Savannah James
LeBron James is one of the greatest active basketball players on the planet. Savannah James has been with him since his days as a high school basketball player. The couple married in 2013, at which time an anonymous NBA player said the league is full of players with open marriages, and he mentioned LeBron James.
James has managed to avoid controversy throughout his entire career, which is pretty amazing for a star of his caliber. For now we are placing this relationships status squarely in the “who really knows” category.
Julia Louis-Dreyfus & Brad Hall
Julia Louis-Dreyfus’ open relationship status with her husband makes sense just because of the attitudes she portrayed as Elaine Benes on Seinfeld. Even after more than 30 years of marriage, rumors continue to swirl that the couple is engaged in an open relationship.
Interestingly, they have never been open about that fact (or denied the rumors). They also have not been caught in the act.
Larry King & Shawn Southwick
Southwick is the 7th wife of King, and due to the fact that they’ve been together for 17 years, it looks like she’s here for good. One of King’s ex-wives claims that both King and Southwick are aware of each other’s needs, but it doesn’t seem to be an issue.
After hints of affairs, the pair filed for divorce in 2010, but have since stopped the proceedings.
Jay Z & Beyoncé
Rumor has it, Beyoncé and Jay Z like to bring others into the bedroom during their downtime. Jay Z has brought his fair share of other women into the bedroom, but there is a ton of speculation that their relationship might not last.
Just like any sane woman, Beyoncé isn’t okay with the media snapping shots of other girls on her husband’s arm.
Mo’nique and Sidney Hicks
While Mo’nique and Hicks have admitted to being in an open relationship, Mo’nique only has eyes for him. Hicks was caught having an affair, but this never appeared to be an issue for her.
Monogamy isn’t a deal breaker for this couple as they have been best friends for over 25 years and she admits that she will never call it quits.
Ethan Hawke & Ryan Shawhughes
After the couple married back in 2008, Hawke made it known to Shawhughes that he couldn't guarantee that he would be faithful to her. Hawke has often referred to sexual fidelity as childish and doesn’t believe that humans were made to be monogamous.
After being married for seven years, Hawke claims that he is still 100% committed to his wife, but you never know what the future holds.
Demi Moore & Ashton Kutcher
The ex-couple was married for eight years and the entire time, the relationship was defined as an open one. Moore was comfortable with sexual freedom, but not lying and hiding relationships.
Kutcher reportedly crossed the line and had a little bit of his own fun without her. After Moore accused it as cheating, the couple split shortly after.
Newt Gingrich
The only thing more polarizing than the former Speaker of the House's politics might just be his relationship history. His ex-wife, Marianne, claims that he pushed for an open marriage until the couple split.
According to Marianne, this move toward an open marriage also happened to coincide with his 1999 Presidential campaign, when he was delivering speeches about family and religious values all around the country. While he now denies her claims, he does admit to being unfaithful.
Chris Martin & Gwyneth Paltrow
Chris Martin and Gwyneth Paltrow were married for ten years, but their relationship ultimately came to an end due to the choice to keep their relationship open. Reportedly, Paltrow’s philosophy is that she and Martin are both adults and simply make their own choices.
She also adds that it is important for every couple to take on their own challenges in the way that works best for them.
Kim Kardashian and Nick Cannon
Long ago when Kardashian and Cannon were dating, sources say the couple arranged an agreement that Kardashian could have the house of her dreams and a sugar daddy, but she had to accept his side chicks.
The other catch was that it was a one way road and Kardashian couldn’t have any side action herself.
Andrei Kirilenko & Marina Lopatova
Andrei Kirilenko was drafted by the Utah Jazz in 1999 and moved to the United States in 2001. Before his move, the NBA superstar married Russian pop singer Marina Lopatova. During an interview, his wife revealed that she allowed him to sleep with one female of his choosing every year. “What’s forbidden is always desirable.
And athletes, particularly men, are susceptible to all the things they are offered,” she said. Kirilenko told reporters that while that option is available to him, he has chosen not to act on it.
Cindy Margolis & Guy Starkman
Cindy Margolis married restaurateur Guy Starkman and right from the start rumors started to swirl. Several sources claimed that the couple only married to have a child. Those rumors led to claims that they were sleeping around with other people throughout their marriage.
In 2002, they had their first child, a boy named Nicholas. In 2005, the couple welcomed twin daughters. They soon after called it quits.
Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell
Like mother, like daughter! Actress Goldie Hawn is Kate Hudson’s mom. She’s allegedly been in an open relationship with her long-term partner, fellow actor Kurt Russell. The two have been together for 34+ years! In a 2017 People interview, the blonde beauty said that staying monogamous is a "tough order”.
She continued, "You're in the prime of your life, you are attracted to other people, potentially, you have fantasies about that”. Hawn believes that honesty and communication are key. Various other sources have claimed for years that the couple maintains an open relationship. It certainly seems to be working for them.
Dolly Parton & Carl Thomas Dean
This couple’s view on open relationships sure seems to be working. The married couple has been together for almost 50 years now. Parton opened up about how neither of them want to know if they’re cheating on one another, so tagging it as an open relationship is what makes it work for them.
In her new book Dolly on Dolly: Interviews and Encounters with Dolly Parton (Musicians in Their Own Words), the legendary singer opens up about their unique arrangement, saying, “We’re so totally open and free ... I always call him Daddy and he calls me Mama or Little Kid or Angel Cakes." Their arrangement hasn't always lead to happiness though, with Parton going on to reveal that she almost committed suicide after a relationship with an "unnamed lover outside her marriage" went south. Yikes!
John F. Kennedy & Jacqueline Kennedy
The open relationship of President John F. Kennedy and wife Jackie Kennedy was the worst-kept secret in Washington, D.C. Before his assassination on November 22, 1963, Kennedy was rumored to have had an affair with Hollywood star Marilyn Monroe.
Several sources claimed that Jackie was well aware of his affairs and was okay with his lifestyle. Others claim that the couple were on the verge of filing for divorce right before he was killed.
Shirley MacLaine & Steve Parker
Shirley MacLaine had an amazing career that spanned more than 60 years. Despite her massive fame, she managed to marry Steve Parker in 1954 and keep their relationship private. They divorced in 1982 after 28 years of marriage but it wasn’t until 2011 that anyone learned about their lifestyle.
While promoting her book I’m Over All That, MacLaine admitted that she shared an open relationship with her husband. Because of her busy acting schedule the couple often found themselves apart.
Corey Feldman & Susie Sprague
Corey Feldman and Susie Sprague turned heads when they married in 2002. The couple met at a nightclub and then tied the knot on an episode of "The Surreal Life."
They soon after admitted that they were both swingers and said their relationship was completely open. Feldman reportedly hosted a bunch of orgies but didn’t talk about them openly. The couple remained married until 2009.
Hugh Grant & Elizabeth Hurley
Hugh Grant was one of the hottest bachelors in Hollywood until he tied the knot with wife and fellow British star Elizabeth Hurley in 1987. The couple divorced in 2000 after a public scandal in which Grant was caught with another woman in Los Angeles.
It was revealed that Grant had been with multiple women throughout the relationship, but the prostitution bust pushed the envelope too far for Hurley.
Chris Robinson & Kate Hudson
Kate Hudson rose to fame after her amazing role in 2000’s Almost Famous. She then appeared in a string of hits including How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days and Bride Wars. Her marriage to The Black Crowes lead singer Chris Robinson turned a lot of heads.
It was actually her dad, Bill, who told the media that she was interested in an open relationship and had her eyes set on other guys in Hollywood. The couple officially called it quits in 2007.
Brad Pitt & Angelina Jolie
You might think that former power couple Brangelina had a solid and monogamous marriage, but Jolie has some different views. She spoke out about fidelity in 2009 saying "I doubt that fidelity is absolutely essential for a relationship … It’s worse to leave your partner and talk badly about him afterward. Neither Brad nor I have ever claimed that living together means to be chained together. We make sure that we never restrict each other.”
Sadly, this arrangement doesn't seem to have worked out for them, as the couple filed for divorce in 2016.
Megan Fox & Brian Austin Green
This one is a little twisted. Megan Fox definitely wears the pants in this marriage. Sources reveal that while Green is not allowed to touch other women, Fox can touch other men. The couple has allegedly agreed on an open relationship where Fox is allowed to date other people, but Green cannot.
However, Fox claims she isn’t as promiscuous as the media portrays her.
Will Smith & Jada Pinkett Smith
Sources close to the married couple claim that Smith gives permission to his wife to be with another man if she feels the need to, but that she has chosen not to act on it. Instead, the couple bases their relationship on trust and repercussions.
Smith even spoke to Queen Latifah on her talk show about how hard marriage can really be.
Franklin D. Roosevelt & Eleanor Roosevelt
It might surprise some people to know that Franklin D. Roosevelt was an even bigger player than JFK. Apparently, Eleanor Roosevelt knew of her husband's affair with Lucy Mercer. They stayed together, mostly for political reasons, and so Eleanor could continue her social work on a national level.
Her husband eventually passed away from Polio, but not before leading the United States through World War II.
Ludacris & Eudoxie Mbouguiengue
Chris Bridges, better known as Ludacris, is a well-known rapper and actor. He started dating Gabonese model Eudoxie Mbouguiengue in 2009 and announced in 2013 that he was having a baby with his old flame, Tamika Fuller.
Eudoxie stuck with Ludacris and soon announced that she was pregnant with their fourth child. The couple were engaged and married on December 26, 2014, in Costa Rica.
David Beckham & Victoria Beckham
The former Manchester United soccer star married Victoria Adams, AKA Posh Spike of Spice Girls fame, in 1999. While they have a family together and are often portrayed as the ultimate in celebrity couples, there have been many rumors about a possible open relationship.
David Beckham was spotted with Irma Nici in 2007 on several occasions, and he was caught allegedly cheating again in 2010. If the rumors are true we have to assume Victoria has agreed to an open relationship.
Robert Crumb & Aline Kominsky-Crumb
The name Robert Crumb (AKA R. Crumb) might not be well-known to all of our readers but you have likely heard of the comic’s genius work with such series as Zap Comix and Fritz the Cat. He is famous for his American folk culture art as well as his satire of contemporary culture. The Pennsylvania native was married to Dana Morgan from 1964 to 1978 and then married fellow cartoonist Aline Kominsky almost immediately after his divorce. The Crumbs are still married to this very day and often talk about their open marriage which they say stems from their love of the hippie movement.
Robert travels to Oregon once a year to spend time with his girlfriend. Aline has enjoyed a longtime fling with Christian Coudures. Robert even jokes about his wife’s lover, “Between Christian and I, we kind of make an ideal husband…but if she ever started making comparisons about our lovemaking technique, I might get jealous.”
Josh Duhamel & Fergie
Josh Duhamel, of Las Vegas fame, and wife Fergie of The Black Eyed Peas met in 2004 and dated for five years before getting married in January 2009. Duhamel made headlines when he was caught with a stripper in Atlanta just months before their marriage.
Fergie moved forward with their plans to wed. The couple have since renewed their vows and they have a son together named Axl Jack. Strippers — bringing couples together since late-2008.
Kourtney Kardashian & Scott Disick
This reality TV couple are known for their off-again and on-again relationship which started in 2006. Disick, a controversial character in the Kardashian universe, has openly talked about his alcohol addiction and how much he has enjoyed sleeping around.
Disick was happy to have an open relationship but Kourtney called it quits in 2015. A friend close to the family said she became “disgusted” with his behavior.
Tori Spelling & Dean McDermott
Former Beverly Hills, 90210 star Tori Spelling divorced husband Charlie Shanian in 2006 and married Dean McDermott immediately afterwards. People close to the couple say they were in an open relationship in their early days together but slowed down their beliefs after having four children together.
Despite some cheating by McDermott, the couple have stayed together for the last 10 years. They don’t talk too much about their relationship belief system.
Henry Kissinger & Nancy Maginnes
Henry Kissinger was a polarizing figure in US history. In 1938 he escaped Nazi persecution and dreamed of becoming an influential character in US politics. In 1969 he was appointed National Security Advisor. He would go on to serve in positions under both Richard Nixon and Gerald Ford.
He was first married to Ann Fleischer from 1949 to 1969, and then remarried in 1974 to Nancy Maginnes. At 92 years old he started opening up about his swinger lifestyle. There are a bunch of books that showcase his promiscuous past.
David Boreanaz & Jaime Bergman
David Boreanaz has been a mainstay on our TV screens since the late 1990s, when he appeared on "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" and "Angel." Today, he continues to star as Seeley Booth on the hit show "Bones." He was first married to Ingrid Quinn from 1997 to 1999, and then to Playboy Playmate of the Month Jaime Bergman starting in November 2001.
Boreanaz was caught texting his mistress in 2009 and Bergman demanded a large sum of money to keep their affair quiet. Boreanaz admitted to the affair with Rachel Uchitel, the same girl who helped break up Tiger Woods’ marriage.
Jude Law & Sadie Frost
Jude Law is a star of screen and stage. He has been nominated for two Academy Awards, three Golden Globes and two Tony Awards, among many other nods. Law first met Sadie Frost on the set of the film Shopping and they married in 1997. The couple had three children together before Law fell in love with Sienna Miller on the set of Alfie in 2003.
Miller called off their engagement after Law was caught in bed with his children’s nanny. He then rekindled his relationship with Frost, despite his constant straying.
Matthew Broderick & Sarah Jessica Parker
Matthew Broderick has appeared in one of the most iconic movies of all time and Sarah Jessica Parker stared in one of the most iconic TV shows for women. The stars of TV, film, and the stage have three children together and have been very close-lipped about their relationship. However, many rumors have swirled that the couple are in an open relationship.
Several reports have claimed that Broderick has cheated numerous times. Other rumors have claimed that both people in the couple are free to sleep around. We have to wonder, what would Carrie Bradshaw think?
Snoop Dogg & Shante Taylor
Snoop Dogg didn’t forget where he came from after selling more than 35 million albums worldwide. He married his high school sweetheart, Shante Taylor, in 1997, but then divorced in 2004 for unknown reasons.
They eventually hooked back up and remarried in 2008 and have been together ever since. Many people thought Taylor called it quits because of his promiscuous lifestyle, however, she knew about his choices and ultimately decided love could win.
Justin Timberlake & Jessica Biel
Musical artist Justin Timberlake and actress Jessica Biel began dating in January 2007.
It seemed they were openly seeing other people, but when the couple became engaged in December 2011, they agreed to stay monogamous.
Bill and Hillary Clinton
Supposedly, the word among Washington’s political elite is that the Clintons enjoy an open marriage. Many cite Bill’s affair with then-intern Monica Lewinsky as evidence of this. It is not surprising to think that many politicians might stay together in open marriages for the sake of appearances.
Regardless of the real story of the Clintons’ marriage “rules,” it’s clear that they genuinely love each other and are willing to make things work no matter what comes their way. That’s a solid partnership! The addition of grandchildren to the family surely helped cement their status as a permanent couple.
Wendy Williams & Kevin Hunter
Wendy Williams was a “shock jock” before she made her way to TV. She shocked viewers with her honest and sometimes R-rated comments. In 2008 she became the host of "The Wendy Williams Show" and her star has only risen further since that time. Williams married husband Kevin Hunter way back in 1997 and he even served as her agent.
Hunter was accused of cheating on Williams back in 2013, but she didn’t seem to care, eventually telling reporters, “I don’t regret it. I do think it’s a double standard with cheating.” The couple is now divorced.
Gwen Stefani & Gavin Rossdale
The open relationship between Gavin Rossdale and Gwen Stefani lasted for 13 years. Reports have suggested that she was more than happy to accommodate her husband’s lifestyle choices because he was so damn hot. The couple still show up sometimes in public, mainly for the sake of the children they are still raising together.
Stefani is now dating country superstar Blake Shelton, who was formerly with Miranda Lambert. They both divorced their respective spouses, and then soon after announced that they were dating after meeting on the set of the hugely popular show "The Voice."
Alan Cumming & Grant Shaffer
Alan Cumming has been with partner Grant Shaffer for quite some time. They are the only same-sex couple on our list to openly talk about their open-mindedness, which includes helping each other fulfill all of their fantasies.
Both Alan and Grant have said they can meet with other men but they are not allowed to use the popular gay dating app Grindr to find other guys. That seems like a very fair rule.
Gabrielle Union & Dwyane Wade
Gabrielle Union and Dwyane Wade are a power couple in Hollywood and the NBA but their relationship ended under some suspicious and strange circumstances. Union said Wade was monogamous but then he ended their relationship after he got another woman pregnant.
The couple have never really opened up about the status of their marriage, but it appears that that NBA’s history of open relationships may have carried over to this former couple.
Chris Brown & Karrueche Tran
Chris Brown sleeping around? Who would have guessed? Sarcasm aside, his girlfriend Karrueche Tran, allegedly put up with his cheating in order to keep him in her life. What we know for certain is that there has been some type of weird love triangle going on between Brown, Tran, and Rihanna for some time now.
Given his past, we’re a bit surprised that any group of women would be fighting over this abusive singer. He hasn’t really opened up about his relationship status so we can’t confirm all of the numerous rumors.
Magic Johnson & Earlitha Kelly
This shouldn’t surprise anyone who is a basketball fan. Magic Johnson contracted HIV with a female he slept with while married to his current wife. He married his long-time wife two months after announcing his diagnosis.
Kelly quickly forgave her soon-to-be husband and they admitted to an open relationship. They are still married and doing great, which just proves that some couples simply have a different view on what works for them.
Hugh Hefner & Crystal Harris
This doesn’t come as a shock due to the fact that he has publicly flaunted his polyamorous relationships on the reality show "The Girls Next Door." Since breaking it off with his three main squeezes on the show, Hefner married Harris.
While their relationship is pretty low-key, it’s safe to assume that the 89-year old hasn’t changed his ways when it comes to inviting more than one beautiful blonde into the bedroom.
Margaret Cho and Al Ridenour
Although comedian Margaret Cho and her artist husband Al Ridenour divorced in 2014, they were married for 11 years prior to the split. During their marriage, Cho was quite candid about the fact that she and Ridenour engaged in numerous affairs with other people.
Cho opened up to The Huffington Post in 2013. She said that there had been several times when she would return home and find her husband entertaining another woman. Cho explained, “We have a really big house. It’s kind of like if we wanna have that, it’s like, ‘You can stay on your side or I’ll stay on my side.’ When I see her, I’ll make her dinner. ... Oh yeah. I’ve definitely been in the house.” Good to have a sense of humor!
Jane Fonda and Roger Vadim
Although they’re no longer a couple (in fact, he is no longer living), people still enjoy gossiping about the love life they shared together. Fonda, an American actress, married the French film director Vadim in 1965. He was known for having had a series of beautiful lovers, both prior to and during his marriage to Fonda, and has been publicly linked to Brigitte Bardot and Catherine Deneuve, among others.
The Daily Mail has repeatedly reported that Fonda and Vadim engaged in frequent threesomes and foursomes. If that’s not an open marriage, then we’re not sure what is!
Ossie Davis and Ruby Dee
When actor Ossie Davis married Ruby Dee in 1948, they decided that they’d have an open marriage. Together, they wrote an autobiography in which they stated "It occurred to us, from observation and reasoning, that extramarital sex was not what really destroyed marriages, but rather the lies and deception that invariably accompanied it–that was the culprit.
So we decided to give ourselves permission to sleep with other partners if we wished–as long as what we did was honest as well as private...." The arrangement must not have been ideal because they later changed their minds and decided to be monogamous to each other.
Marlene Dietrich and Rudolf Sieber
The iconic German actress Marlene Dietrich married her assistant director Rudolf Sieber when she was only 21 years old. Although the two had a daughter together, Dietrich engaged in many torrid affairs during the marriage, with both men and women. Sieber frequently joined in, so presumably did not mind her “swinging” lifestyle.
Some of Dietrich’s most famous bedroom conquests are said to have included Frank Sinatra, Greta Garbo, John Wayne, Kirk Douglas, Jospeh Kennedy, and Edith Piaf.According to an interview her nephew David Riva gave to the Daily Mail in 2014, “[I]t wasn’t the physical side of sex that mattered. For her, intimacy was about power.” Dietrich remained married to Sieber until his death.
Emma Thompson & Greg Wise
The British actress Emma Thompson and her writer husband Greg Wise have been married since 2003, and seem to have an idyllic relationship. She's made some comments in interviews that, while not proving that the couple is in an open relationship, also suggest that she wouldn't necessarily be opposed to one either.
She once said to the Daily Mail, “I think that we’re locked into certain ideas, and certain romantic ideals that have shaped our thinking about relationships for some time. And I do sometimes wonder about whether there are alternatives, and about whether our fury and rage and disbelief and horror about infidelity is quite realistic.”
