Introduction
In January 2020, one of the world’s most reported celebrity break-ups jolted the public – Elon Musk and Amber Heard’s relationship had ended. Given their reputations and the level of their relationship, the news caused massive public interest. Elon had long been a tech genius and successful business tycoon, while Amber gained recognition for her impressive film career. Rumours of their relationship had been circulating for some time, with the couple finally acknowledging it in June 2016.
Since then, the couple had experienced their fair share of drama, gaining media attention due to Elon’s ex-wife, the paparazzi storm that followed them everywhere they went, as well as Elon’s high-profile promotion of Tesla. However, none of these obstacles proved to be the reason for their ultimate split, making the public question – why did Elon Musk and Amber Heard break up?
The Timeline of Events
The pair was first photographed together in April 2015 in London, with the relationship sparking the public’s interest almost immediately. After a year of speculation, the couple finally confirmed their relationship at the 2016 Amber Heard & Elon Musk’s LA Bash in June, with Musk’s ex-wife Talulah Riley also in attendance.
Rumours of an engagement first surfaced in early 2017, with the couple travelling to Australia that same month, where Musk was seen wearing a tongue-in-cheek ‘Stupid is Forever’ t-shirt. Later that year, Musk filed for divorce from his second wife, adding more fodder to the mill of speculation. The divorce was finalised in November 2018 and the couple were present at the launch of the Falcon Heavy Rocket in Florida mere days later.
The happy times and silent speculation continued on for a further year, with there being little to no evidence that the couple was considering an end to their relationship. In November 2019, however, Heard was photographed without her engagement ring and Musk went on to file for dismissal of the divorce from Talulah Riley that same month. This of course, sparked further speculation of an impending breakup – one that the couple officially announced in January 2020.
The Speculations
Naturally, the breakup brought about an array of speculations about the couple’s decision, whether the breakup was mutual, and who the possible instigator could be. According to some sources, the pair had simply run its course, with the two leading such opposite lifestyles that any further pursuance of the relationship would simply be impossible.
Others believed, however, that Elon had returned to his ex-wife Talulah Riley. Although a source close to the family denies this, Riley retweeted an article by a United Press International in January, discussing the couple’s break-up and how she was pictured walking with Musk the day before the split was announced – giving the speculated theory more weight.
The public also speculated that the decision was mutual, citing Heard’s somewhat seemingly suspicious behaviour in the weeks prior to the announcement. She was spotted publicly with other actors, and on December 24 2019, also unfollowed Musk on Instagram – which of-course, further added to the mill of speculation.
The Public Reaction
Given the couple’s immense following and love from the public, it was expected that the news of their breakup would break the internet. Fans of both sides of the couple reacted strongly and with sadness to the news, with many not expecting the two to actually call it quits.
The influencers and celebrities who kept up with the news and supported both of them were also in shock, with many taking to social media to express their condolences. Heartfelt thoughts and words of encouragement went out to both sides of the couple, with the public still trying to come to terms with the sudden news.
The Aftermath
The aftermath of the couple’s break-up was equally as difficult to deal with as their sudden split. Although no statements were released by either Musk or Heard as to why the decision was made, the impact of their breakup was felt by everyone.
In the end, it is speculated that Musk and Heard’s lack of privacy and display of affection on social media, as well as the demands of both of their punishing schedules, may have caused the split. Whatever the cause of their breakup may be, the couple has since gone on their own paths – Heard taking time to focus on her career, while Musk continues his pursuit of his technological pursuits with Tesla.
The Legal Issues
Another thing that divided the couple was their legal battles – Heard sued Musk for posting messages intended to discredit her via Twitter. Musk then denied the allegations and counter-sued, claiming Heard had deliberately misrepresented the facts of the case. This however, was only the start of their legal woes.
A further lawsuit was filed by Heard for defamation in 2019, as Musk had accused her of extorting him. He then filed another countersuit in early 2020, which only further escalated the dispute between the couple. These legal issues would have no doubt weighed on their relationship, and ultimately put an end to it.
The Media Involvement
It is no secret that the media relentlessly followed the couple’s every move – indeed, their entire relationship was broadcasted to the world. This included everything from their public appearances to their private moments, as well as Musk’s ex-wife Talulah Riley.
However, the difficulty of Musk and Heard’s breakup lies in the fact that it was so intertwined with the public. News of their relationship, break-up and legal issues would likely occupy the minds of their public following, leaving them equally as confused – and susceptible – to the possible theories of the pair’s ultimate decision.
The Pressure of Fame
Being a public figure brings with it a certain level of pressure that most people wouldn’t fully understand or relate to. For example, Elon and Amber’s relationship was constantly fodder for the public, media and paparazzi, and it’s likely this had an effect on the couple.
This pressure no doubt also worked against them, with Musk having to balance his affairs with his high-profile. This would certainly have caused difficulty within their relationship, as Heard had to take a back seat to her partner’s very busy schedule.
The Impact of the Relationship
Regardless of why the breakup occurred, the relationship had a lasting impact on not only Musk and Heard, but the world of media, entertainment and technology as well. The two were certainly an unlikely pairing, forming a successful power couple throughout the past few years. So it’s only right and proper that any venture or idea that came out of their relationship should be talked about.
From the Falcon Heavy Rocket’s launch and Musk’s help in the battle against white collar crime, to Heard’s involvement in activism and her inspiring career in Hollywood – the couple certainly used their relationship as a platform for good. And so, regardless of whether the breakup was mutual or one-sided, this must be respected.
The Perspective of the Public
The public has certainly had strong opinions on the couple’s relationship, but most of all, they seem to admire the couple for their courage to try and make their relationship work. Some people support Musk and others support Heard, but more importantly, the public has been unanimous in their respect for the former power couple and the effort they made to make it work.
For some fans, the breakup came too soon, as they were looking forward to the couple’s next move. For others, the breakup made sense, as they respected the decision to go their separate ways. Nevertheless, the public’s underlying theme was a positive one in support of the couple, and their admiration for the bravery the pair displayed in attempting to make the relationship work.
The Relationship with the Ex-Spouse
Besides the overwhelming public reaction to their split, Musk and Heard’s relationship with their former spouses was another factor that added to the complexity of their breakup. Musk had three children with his first wife Justine Wilson, and he later married and divorced twice from his second wife Talulah Riley. Similarly, Heard had been divorced from her first husband, also having shared one daughter with him.
To make matters more complicated, Riley and Heard had also become close friends following Musk’s divorce from the former, with Riley publicly supporting the couple’s relationship and ultimately, their decision to break up. Riley’s reactions still remain unclear and she has yet to comment on the breakup.
The End of an Era
Whether or not the breakup was mutual, it marked a quiet and palpable end to an enthralling era in the technological, entertainment and business industries. The two were certainly a formidable pairing, and their love and admiration for each other was evident across the public domain. Despite their ultimate breakup, their relationship is still respected and applauded for the remarkable things that has since born from it.
