They Were "So In Love": So What Went Wrong For Antonio Banderas And Melanie Griffith?

Power couple Antonio Banderas and Melanie Griffith, the beacon of hope and an icon of longevity when it come to Hollywood relationships, have split after nearly 19 years together.  The news has shocked fans who had always believed that the couple were still happy together in their long marriage, particularly since their affectionate displays just earlier this year.  The couple released a joint statement, explaining: “We have thoughtfully and consensually decided to finalise our 20 years’ marriage in a loving and friendly manner, honouring and respecting each other, our family and friends and the beautiful time we have spent together.”

Couples were shocked to hear that Melanie Griffith and Antonio Banderas, pictured holding hands in March, were divorcing

Banderas and Griffith met on the set on their 1995 romantic-comedy film Two Much. At the time he was married to Ana Leza, whom he had wed in 1987. The marriage ended when he and Griffith began a relationship and he divorced Leza in 1996, marrying Griffiths in a small, private ceremony in London just a month later. The pair have a 17-year-old daughter called Stella together, while Griffiths has two older children from previous relationships.

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This will be the actress's fourth divorce and Banderas' second. She was previously married to Don Johnson, who she wed twice, and Steven Bauer. The couple have cited "irreconcilable differences" as the cause for their divorce. Hollywood has gone into mourning for the pair, who genuinely seemed like one of the strongest couples and who would stand the test of time.

Actress Natalie Burns, who met Antonio working on Expendables 3, has expressed her sadness at being implicated in the divorce. She was spotted dancing with the actor at the Cannes FIlm Festival earlier this year, which led many to speculate that they had been having an affair. Speaking to Radar Online Burns explained: “I know he mentioned he had some problems [with Griffiths]. In Cannes he was saying that he was trying to fix the marriage.” She also claimed she knew that Banderas was “so in love” with Griffith and that she thought they were “great” together.

Griffith and Banderas have been together for nearly 20 years

The divorce documents have been leaked and no date of separation has been indicated. Griffith is allegedly seeking sole physical custody of their daughter and joint legal custody. She is asking for child support and spousal support from Banderas. The separation comes as a shock, particularly since just a couple of months ago, in March, Griffith tweeted a shirtless photo of Banderas, along with the caption “Antonio!!!” while they holidayed together in the Bahamas.

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