Kevin Costner’s Ex-wife Replied to His Infidelity Accusations after Being Spotted with Actor’s Friend Recently
- Kevin Costner’s wife filed for divorce in May 2023.
- Christine Baumgartner’s Hawaii trip with a longtime male friend of Costner’s sparked cheating rumors.
- The former designer defended herself from the infidelity claims.
On May 1, 2023, Christine Baumgartner, 49, shocked everyone when she filed for divorce from Kevin Costner, 68, after they were together for 18 years. In her filing, she cited irreconcilable differences with the actor’s representative confirming the news on his behalf.
The person revealed that circumstances that Costner couldn’t control occurred, which led to him having to partake in the dissolution of his marriage. The couple’s three young children will sadly face the biggest brunt of the divorce.
Christine Baumgartner and Kevin Costner at OmniPeace Foundation Presents Rock Rwanda Benefit on April 5, 2022, in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images
Baumgartner wants joint custody of their offspring, and in his filed response, her estranged husband agrees. However, the former handbag designer isn’t asking for spousal support as there’s a prenuptial agreement.
Christine Baumgartner and Kevin Costner at the 94th Annual Academy Awards on March 27, 2022, in Hollywood, California | Source: Getty Images
In June 2023, the actor claimed his wife withdrew $95,000 from his bank account and charged it to his credit. He said she used the money to pay her forensic accountant and divorce lawyers and has been doing that since April 2023 without him knowing.
Kevin Costner, Christine Baumgartner, and their children at the Los Angeles premiere of “The Art of Racing In The Rain” on August 1, 2019, in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images
The following month, the star shared how he had “no choice” but to reduce Baumgartner’s credit card limit to $30,000 monthly because she went behind his back to charge large amounts. He believes what he did is a “reasonable limitation.”
Kevin Costner and Christine Baumgartner at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, California, on March 27, 2022 | Source: Getty Images
While divorce proceedings continue behind the scenes, more details about the possible reasons emerge. Costner’s estranged wife went on vacation with one of her husband’s friends, sparking infidelity rumors.
How Did Rumors That Christine Cheated on Kevin Come Up?
In July 2023, Baumgartner was seen in good spirits while on vacation in Hawaii with Costner’s friend Josh Connor, 49. The financier, who lived in the same street as the actor who lived in his Carpinteria, California, mansion, and the former designer were photographed bonding while walking on the beach.
Christine Baumgartner seen on May 4, 2023, in Santa Barbara, California | Source: Getty Images
The duo had something in common as Connor went through a divorce in 2022. A witness said they were smiling as they sat at a corner table and began sitting across from each other, and she laughed a lot at what he said.
The mother of three showed him photos on her phone, and he moved to sit next to her with them facing the water. It wasn’t clear if anything was going on between the two, but at one point, the managing director and co-portfolio manager of Oaktree’s Infrastructure Investing strategy allegedly placed his hand on her leg.
Christine Baumgartner and Kevin Costner at the 28th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards on February 27, 2022, in Santa Monica, California | Source: Getty Images
A different source said Connor, a father to three children, only traveled to Hawaii to be with Costner’s estranged wife as her companion as she wished for adult company. He also stayed at the same Four Seasons Resort Hualalai, in Kona, that she was booked in.
An exterior view of the Four Season Resort Hualalai entrance on June 22, 2006, in Kona, Hawaii | Source: Getty Images
The rooms at the resort cost £750 ($950) per night and £12,000 ($15,220) nightly for private multi-room villas. However, back home, his Ferrari California was allegedly regularly parked in the “Yellowstone” star’s mansion’s driveway.
Christine Baumgartner at the 2nd Annual Gala “Rwanda Rocks” Charity Event on November 4, 2019, in West Hollywood, California | Source: Getty Images
The banker reportedly plays the role of confidante to Baumgartner while her marriage disintegrates. Connor is described as one of Costner’s Montecito friends as they often played golf together, but since the actor’s separation from his wife, the banker has become close to Baumgartner.
The star’s estranged wife also revealed that while in Hawaii, she shared a room with a female best friend.
Christine Baumgartner and Kevin Costner at the “Hidden Figures” New York special screening on December 10, 2016, in New York City | Source: Getty Images
The financier’s allegedly been comforting the star’s wife. People who are connected to Costner’s divorce confirmed that “they have been very close,” but those close to her and Connor said nothing romantic is happening between them, adding:
“They have been good friends for years.”
Kevin Costner and Christine Baumgartner at the Los Angeles premiere of “The Art of Racing In The Rain” on August 1, 2019, in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images
In a recent filing, Costner reportedly made claims that make it seem his wife has been cheating on him. The former designer has since responded to the accusations made against her.
What Did Kevin Accuse Christine of Doing, and How Did She Respond?
On August 31, 2023, during a Santa Barbara divorce hearing, Costner said his wife is being deceptive about how much money she has in reference to $20,000 that “her boyfriend recently gave her.” The “boyfriend” isn’t named, but sources believe he’s referring to Connor.
Kevin Costner at the Pre-Grammy Gala & Grammy Salute To Industry Icons Honoring Julie Greenwald & Craig Kallman on February 4, 2023, in Beverly Hills, California | Source: Getty Images
While on the stand, Baumgartner teared up while testifying about her trip to Hawaii and her relationship with Connor. The mother of three admitted to being given $20,000 by the banker, and that half was given to her mother because the financier worried she’d lose her house and explained they aren’t dating.
The star’s estranged wife also revealed that while in Hawaii, she shared a room with a female best friend. Costner’s wife described Connor as a “family friend” and when asked if he is her boyfriend, she adamantly said “No.”
