Hollywood star Laura Prepon and her husband, fellow actor Ben Foster, have decided to end their relationship after six years of marriage. Although paperwork obtained by People magazine stipulates the exact reason for the dissolution of their marriage, social media users remain convinced that there is more to it than meets the eye.
Documents show that Foster was the one to file for divorce from the “That ’70s Show” star. Reportedly, he cited “irreconcilable differences” as the reason for their split.
Ben Foster and Laura Prepon at the premiere of “Emancipation” in Los Angeles, California on November 30, 2022 | Source: Getty Images
Explaining the matter further, the “Alpha Dog” actor divulged that he and Prepon were no longer able to “live together successfully as husband and wife” and confirmed that his and Prepon’s date of separation is September 9, 2023.
Laura Prepon and Ben Foster visiting the Empire State Building in New York City on July 26, 2019 | Source: Getty Images
The former couple has a prenuptial agreement from 2018 that Foster has asked the court to enforce. He also wants the court to make an “equitable division” of their marital debt and assets.
Laura Prepon and Ben Foster at the screening of “Final Portrait” in New York City on March 22, 2018 | Source: Getty Images
Regarding the final decree of their divorce, Foster has requested that the court incorporate their “marital dissolution agreement and agreed parenting plan.”
Finally, on the matter of attorney fees, the “Lone Survivor” talent asked that he and Prepon each pay for their own legal fees and split any other court costs equally.
Ben Foster and Laura Prepon spotted out in New York City on June 21, 2016 | Source: Getty Images
Foster and Prepon, who has reportedly starred in numerous theatrical productions at the Total Theater Lab in New York City, are divorcing seven years after welcoming their daughter in August 2017.
Laura Prepon and Ben Foster spotted out with their daughter in New York City on April 26, 2018 | Source: Getty Images
In 2020, they welcomed another child, whom Prepon gushed over in an Instagram post. “Welcoming home our new bundle of love. Overwhelmed with gratitude. ❤️❤️❤️❤️,” captioned the doting mom alongside a heartwarming photo of her holding the baby.
Netizens who have read about the pair’s divorce have weighed in with their speculations about the reason behind their split. Most believe Prepon’s previous religious views sparked the breakup.
“It’s the Scientology,” opined an Instagrammer. Agreeing with the sentiment, another echoed, “This is 100% scientology thing [sic],” while another penned, “Is he escaping the Scientology of it all [sic].” “Those Scientology relationships don’t work lol,” remarked someone else.
Ben Foster and Laura Prepon. | Source: Getty Images
Adding to the Scientology discussion, an observer noted, “He doesn’t wanna be in that cult anymore.” Another wrote, “it’s [sic] a cult.” Meanwhile, a spectator pondered, “She left Scientology but did he? Hmmmm.”
Ben Foster and Laura Prepon spotted at the Spirit Awards in Los Angeles, California on February 25, 2017 | Source: Getty Images
Amid the speculation, some people reacted to the divorce news with surprise. “I can’t believe it,” expressed a netizen, while another stated, “oh! [sic] sad to read this. They seemed so in love.” On the other hand, however, a social media user said, “Weird couple. Can’t say it’s surprising.”
Ben Foster and Laura Prepon at the European premiere of “Emancipation” in London, England on December 2, 2022 | Source: Getty Images
But as one netizen pointed out, she no longer practices the religion, and speaking to People about the matter in 2021, Prepon, who began acting at the age of 15, disclosed, “I haven’t practiced Scientology in close to five years and it’s no longer part of my life.”
She also contextualized her religious background, “I’ve always been very open-minded, even since I was a child. I was raised Catholic and Jewish. I’ve prayed in churches, meditated in temples. I’ve studied Chinese meridian theory.”
After deciding to distance herself from Scientology, Laura Prepon found solace in meditation, which she said she did with Foster, who has never practiced Scientology.
“We meditate daily and I’m really liking it because it’s something that helps me to hear my own voice and it’s something we can do together,” shared the star at the time.
Laura Prepon and Ben Foster at the premiere of “The Girl on the Train” in New York on October 4, 2016 | Source: Getty Images
Scientology is a religion that was developed by L. Ron Hubbard. According to its description online, the religion “offers a precise path leading to a complete and certain understanding of one’s true spiritual nature and one’s relationship to self, family, groups, Mankind, all life forms, the material universe, the spiritual universe and the Supreme Being.”
Instead of placing heavy emphasis on the body or mind, Scientology focuses on the spirit. It is also grounded in the belief that “Man is far more than a product of his environment, or his genes.”
Three fundamental truths that form Scientology’s composition include the belief that people are immortal spiritual beings, experiences extend beyond a single lifetime, and that Man’s capabilities are limitless, “even if not presently realized.”
Scientologists also believe that a person is primarily good and that spiritual salvation not only depends on the person but on others and the individual’s “attainment of brotherhood with the universe.”
The religion veers away from dogmatism and instead encourages individuals to discover the truth of Scientology’s principles on their own by applying them and “observing or experiencing the results.”
“The ultimate goal of Scientology is true spiritual enlightenment and freedom for all,” reads the end of the website’s description.
