What Went Wrong? Everything We Know So Far About Jennifer Aniston and Justin Theroux's Split

By Monica Sisavat Solís

Updated on 3/29/2018 at 3:10 PM

Getty | Jason Merritt
Getty | Jason Merritt

Hearts all across the nation were broken on Feb. 15 when Jennifer Aniston and Justin Theroux announced their separation after two years of marriage. In a statement shared with POPSUGAR by Jennifer's publicist, Stephen Huvane, the couple revealed that their decision to split "was mutual and lovingly made at the end of last year." At the time, the reasons for their breakup remained unclear, but since then, details have slowly started unfolding. Now that we've had some time to process, let's take a look at everything we know so far about Jennifer and Justin's split.

  1. Jennifer and Justin announce their separation. On Feb. 15, Jennifer's publicist, Stephen Huvane, shared a statement with POPSUGAR, stating that their decision to split "was mutual and lovingly made at the end of last year." They also added that they are "two best friends who have decided to part ways as a couple, but look forward to continuing our cherished friendship."
  2. Jennifer is spotted out for the first time. That same day, Jennifer was photographed arriving at a film studio in LA.
  3. More details emerge. According to ET, one of the main factors that contributed to their split was long distance. The couple reportedly had a hard time agreeing on where to live, since Jennifer prefers the West Coast and Justin prefers the East. Their different lifestyles also could have been a factor. "He was a New York hipster that loved the alternative lifestyle, and Jennifer was living a much more reclusive life when they first started to fall in love," an insider explained to E! News. "But he fell in love with Jennifer so it was something he came to accept. But everyone around him knew it wasn't really who he was. They have always just been two very different people with very different characters who just happened to fall in love. He's more nomadic, more of a free spirit; he's rugged and urban, and Jennifer just isn't that kind of person."
  4. Justin cancels his late-night appearance. Justin was initially set to make an appearance on the Feb. 20 episode of The Late Show With Stephen Colbert, but he ended up dropping out at the last minute. There's no word yet on whether he's rescheduled.
  5. Jennifer is reportedly doing OK. According to People, even though Jennifer is "sad and disappointed" that her marriage to Justin didn't work out, "she seems OK." "She has an amazing life that she loves and is very grateful for," a source added. "Jen would be the first to say that she is a lucky girl."
  6. Is Brad Pitt to blame for their split? While it took fans about five seconds to start wondering if Jennifer and Brad would get back together, new reports are now saying that Justin allegedly "stumbled upon old Post-it notes" that Jennifer saved from Brad two years ago. "Sweet little Post-its like, 'You looked nice tonight' or 'Miss you already.'" While it doesn't seem like Brad was the reason for their split, Justin reportedly "had moments of insecurity like that."
  7. Justin breaks his silence on social media. On Feb. 25, Justin returned to Instagram to document his visit to Austin Pets Alive, an animal shelter in Texas. "Another very inspiring visit with the incredible people and pups @austinpetsalive," Justin captioned his Instagram album. "I cannot understand how they do what they do, day after day, so consistently and lovingly to save so many dogs and cats. I HIGHLY recommend going in and getting your nose bit by a toothless baby pitbull. Thes two aren't yet ready to go, but when they are go get em...🐶🐾"
  8. Jennifer leans on her friends for support. On Feb. 27, the actress was all smiles while leaving BFF Courteney Cox's home in Beverly Hills.
  9. Justin steps out for the first time. The actor was photographed walking around NYC without his wedding band on March 1.
  10. Justin makes his first public appearance. On March 6, Justin officially returned to the spotlight when he stepped out at the Louis Vuitton show during Paris Fashion Week. He sat in the front row between Emma Stone and Michelle Williams.
  11. Is Justin already jumping back into the dating pool? In late March, Justin was spotted hanging out with Parks and Recreation actress Aubrey Plaza in NYC. Given that they didn't show any PDA and that they've known each other for years, it's likely that these two are just friends. Aubrey has also been dating screenwriter Jeff Baena since 2011.