On January 15th, People revealed what’s been going on with Kevin Costner’s ex-wife, Christine, following their split. Christine is allegedly dating a man, her former neighbor in Santa Barbara. This relationship news was provided to the media outlet from two exclusive sources.
One of these exclusive sources claims to be a friend of Christine’s. This source revealed to People that Christine had been seeing the other man for months. The source said that Christine only began dating this man “since she split from Kevin.” The man they are referring to is Josh Connor. Josh works in finance. He used to live near Christine when she was married to Kevin and lived in a massive compound in Santa Barbara, California.
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The source also alleged that Josh was “initially just a friend” to Christine, but they say that Christine “likes hanging out with him” now. Christine’s friend describes Josh as a “divorced dad,” and they claim that Josh understands what Christine has been going through. The source also shared what Josh and Christine have in common. According to the source, Christine and Josh “both love the ocean and beach life.” That’s “something that makes Christine happy.”
While the source alleged that Christine and Josh did not begin dating until she was officially divorced from Kevin, according to People magazine, the timing of their relationship did become an issue in court during Kevin and Christine’s divorce proceedings. Christine’s divorce attorney is John Rydell. In August 2023, during child support hearings, People reported that John denied any romance rumors between Christine and Josh. John told the court that Josh was nothing more than a friend to Christine and was supporting her through her divorce from Kevin. Christine filed for divorce from Kevin in May 2023.
Christine and Josh Were Just Friends
According to People, another source from “the Costner’s circle” of friends confirmed what the first source told the media outlet. The second source told People that Christine and Josh “are dating” now. They also claimed that Christine and Josh “had a strong friendship before that.” The second source also believes Christine and Josh are in the “same place in their lives.” They said that Josh and Christine are “having a lot of fun together,” and their friendship has now become a romance.
People also described a recent sighting of Josh and Christine, as reported by the Daily Mail. The Mail published photos of Christine and Josh. She was driving him back to his home in Montecito, California. Another photo showed Josh pulling a suitcase away from Christine’s vehicle after he got out of her car.
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TMZ obtained photos in July 2023, confirming that Christine and Josh had been on at least one getaway together this past summer. The photos showed Christine and Josh vacationing in Hualalai, Hawaii, but they weren’t alone. Other TMZ photos showed Christine’s three children enjoying that vacation with her and Josh.
That friendly vacation in Hawaii got dragged into Christine’s custody battle. John told the court that Josh lent Christine $20,000 during a moment of personal “distress.” Christine even testified on the stand that Josh had funded the Hawaii trip for “everyone.” Christine also testified that she shared a room with another friend on the Hawaii trip. She was also asked in court if Josh was her boyfriend in July 2023. Christine answered, “No.”
Kevin and Christine Settled Their Divorce “Suddenly” and “Amicably”
After a lengthy battle in an L.A. divorce court, described by People as being “tense” and “contentious,” one of Kevin’s reps issued a statement to People that came from Christine and Kevin. The statement read, “Kevin and Christine Costner have come to an amicable and mutually agreed upon resolution of all issues pertaining to their divorce proceedings.” Kevin and Christine finalized their divorce in September 2023.
A legal source spoke to People exclusively about the settlement. This source claimed to know why Kevin and Christine decided to settle their divorce so “suddenly” and “amicably.” David Glass currently practices family law in California and is also a former psychologist. Although he wasn’t personally involved in the divorce case between Kevin and Christine, David told People that he believes the money issue was a significant factor for Kevin.
Additionally, David believes that the public squabbling in court embarrassed Kevin and Christine. David told People, in part, “Mrs. Costner didn’t do well” because Christine only got one-third of the child support she requested. Christine was also told that the prenup she had signed would be upheld, and she didn’t receive any “award for fees.”
Costner’s Divorce Concerns Were Allegedly Finacial
As for Kevin, David claimed it was likely “just a money situation.” David mentioned all the questions that a client like Kevin would potentially consider or discuss with his legal team. This included how much it would cost for him to go all the way through trial. David claims that Kevin would have considered how much time and pressure would be on him to continue battling Christine in court. That could distract Kevin and his kids and potentially have a negative impact on his career.
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David told People that Kevin must have considered what he could pay just to be done with his marriage and settle the money issue for good. The court battle was finally over, and Kevin and Christine were officially divorced.