Joe Jonas and Sophie Turner’s divorce took many by surprise, and it quickly became a complicated affair.
The couple had been married for four years when news of their separation surfaced in September 2023. They share two daughters, Willa, born in 2020, and another baby girl born in 2022, whose name has not been publicly disclosed (referred to as D.J. in Jonas’ divorce paperwork).
Initially, they released a joint statement claiming that their decision to part ways was mutual and amicable. However, Turner later filed a lawsuit against Jonas, sparking an international custody battle. She accused him of wrongfully keeping their children in the United States. In response, Jonas’ representative refuted Turner’s allegations about the children’s living situation, describing them as “unfortunate” and stated that the children were currently with their mother.
The statement also clarified that Jonas had disavowed any disparaging statements made on his behalf regarding Sophie before her lawsuit. His primary concern was the well-being of their children, and he hoped that Sophie would reconsider her legal stance and handle the situation more privately and constructively.
For a comprehensive look at Joe Jonas and Sophie Turner’s divorce and custody battle, continue reading below.
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Joe’s Initial Filing and Statement
On September 5, Jonas initiated the divorce proceedings following reports of their legal consultations. In the divorce filing, he cited the marriage as “irretrievably broken” and emphasized the importance of shared parental responsibility for the minor children.
A day later, the couple released a joint statement on social media, acknowledging their breakup. They expressed that the decision was mutual and urged everyone to respect their desire for privacy, both for themselves and their children.
What Went Wrong?
As per an insider, friends had already noticed a growing disconnect between Jonas and Turner for a while. The source disclosed on September 6 that Joe had kept their marital issues relatively private, and the extent of their struggles was not widely known.
A second source later explained that their busy schedules had contributed to the mounting tension, and their communication had started to feel strained. According to this insider, the spark that once defined their relationship appeared to have faded away.
‘The Tour’ Continues
After news of his split, Jonas continued to tour with the Jonas Brothers, addressing his challenging circumstances during a California concert on September 9. He expressed gratitude to his fans for their love and support and urged them not to believe any rumors unless they heard confirmation from him directly.
During The Tour, Jonas’s emotions came to the forefront on stage, especially when performing heartfelt ballads like “Hesitate,” which he had previously referred to as his “vows” to Turner, and “Little Bird,” a song the brothers had written about fatherhood.
Sophie Steps Out
Following the completion of her filming commitments for the show Joan in the U.K., Turner was seen enjoying girls’ nights out in New York City. On September 19, she joined Jonas’ ex, Taylor Swift, for an outing in Manhattan’s West Village. The following night, she had a low-key gathering with friends.
The Custody Battle Begins
On September 21, Turner initiated legal action against Jonas, alleging that he wrongfully retained their daughters in the U.S. despite an agreement to make England their “forever home” in December 2022. According to Turner’s filing, she reluctantly consented to allow Jonas to take the children with him on tour while she was working overseas, considering it a temporary arrangement.
Turner also claimed that Jonas had possession of the children’s passports and was refusing to return them, preventing the girls from reuniting with her in the U.K. She stated that she learned about Jonas’ divorce filing through the media.
In response, Jonas’ spokesperson issued a comprehensive statement to Us on September 21, disputing Turner’s allegations as “misleading” and asserting that Turner was aware of Jonas’ intention to divorce.
The statement highlighted that a Florida court had already issued an order restricting both parents from relocating the children, with the order being served on September 6. (Jonas had initially filed for divorce in Miami.)
According to the spokesperson, Jonas and Turner had a cordial meeting on September 17, after which the children remained with her. Jonas believed they had reached an understanding to work towards an amicable co-parenting arrangement. However, less than 24 hours later, Turner expressed her desire to permanently take the children to the U.K.
Complying with Turner’s lawsuit, which demanded the children’s passports, would put Jonas in violation of the Florida court order. Jonas is seeking shared parenting with the kids so they can be raised by both parents, whether in the U.S. or the UK. The statement argued that the children were born in the U.S. and have spent the majority of their lives there, making them American citizens.
A Trial Is Coming
On October 3, a judge made a ruling that Jonas and Turner are scheduled to proceed to trial on January 2, 2024, to determine custody arrangements for their two children. This case, characterized as a federal international custody case, will be held in Manhattan. Turner, on the other hand, is advocating for the trial to be moved to a U.K. court, while Jonas is opposing the relocation, preferring to keep it within the U.S.
Furthermore, the judge decreed that Turner and Jonas’ daughters will remain temporarily in New York until custody matters are resolved.
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