Courteney Cox on David Arquette split: ‘this is not like we’re getting divorced’

The 2010 Crystal + Lucy Awards held at The Hyatt Regency Century Plaza Hotel in Century City, California on June 1st, 2010. Courteney Cox         Fame Pictures, Inc
Courteney Cox has a new interview with TV Week [via People.com] in which she talks candidly about her separation from her husband of 11 years, David Arquette. It’s surprising to me how open Courteney is and how accepting she seems to be of David’s two tell all interviews with Howard Stern. She tells TV Week that she’s separated from David and that “this is not like we’re getting a divorce.” She also says that she didn’t find David’s two stints on Howard Stern “shocking” at all and that she’s a fan of the show. I’m impressed with how she’s handling everything, and it sounds like she’s not ruling out a reconciliation.

Courteney Cox is speaking out for the first time about her split with husband David Arquette.

“I don’t know what will happen, but this is not like we’re getting divorced,” Cox says in a new interview with TV Week. “This is a separation and I think that takes a lot of courage . . . Whatever is supposed to happen will be the best thing for us.”

Still, Cox acknowledges that she and her husband of 11 years are no longer on the same page. “Sometimes you just realize ‘Wow, we actually have grown apart,” she says.

Referring to an interview that Arquette did with radio host Howard Stern, which aired right after their split was announced (and for which he later apologized), Cox said, “[David] is a kook. It’s not shocking and Howard Stern he loves him and I’m a fan of Howard Stern . . . David is an entertainer and I’m sure the people who listen to the radio are entertained by his stories.”

While her husband – who said the couple were going to take their daughter Coco, 6, trick or treating this Halloween weekend – was talking to Stern, Cox was apparently leaning on her best Friends costar, Jennifer Aniston.

“We just have fun, we laugh, we’re inseparable and it’s great,” Cox says. “It’s funny, a lot of really close friends are kind of going through this right now or like Jennifer [who] has gone through it. I don’t know what’s going on in the planets or what, but things are being shaken up and I don’t know what’s going to happen, but, yeah, Jennifer has been amazing for sure.”

[From People]

While David admitted hooking up with two different women during the separation, he still says he wants Courteney back and loves her. I bet that Courteney called time out in order to be able to date that costar she’s been seen out with. Maybe she has mixed feelings about everything and is just trying to see what happens. They have a daughter Coco, 6, and probably want to give it a chance for their family’s sake. You know, I kind of feel for them all. I don’t ever remember a celebrity divorce where we were privy to this much information about it, and it really just serves to humanize them. People break up and it sucks and sometimes it’s no one’s fault.

David told reporters that he planned to go trick or treating on Sunday with Courteney and Coco. On Friday, he attended a party dressed as Elvis.

46839, LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - Friday October 29 2010. David Arquette and a friend work on their Elvis impersonations before a Halloween party in Beverly Hills. David recently split from his wife of eleven years, actress Courteney Cox. The couple have a six year old daughter called Coco. Photograph:  Hellmuth Dominguez, PacificCoastNews.com

Actors Courteney Cox and her husband David Arquette attend the 2010 Women in Film Crystal+Lucy Awards in Los Angeles June 1, 2010. REUTERS/Phil McCarten (UNITED STATES - Tags: ENTERTAINMENT PROFILE)

Cougar Town actress Courteney Cox was all smiles as she left a shopping trip at Barney's New York in Beverly Hills, CA on May 19, 2010. Fame Pictures, Inc

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44 Responses to “Courteney Cox on David Arquette split: ‘this is not like we’re getting divorced’”

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  1. annaloo says:

    I separated from my husband for a few months. It saved our marriage overall so far… I wish these two the best of luck.

  2. Marjalane says:

    “We’re just taking a break so we can bang other people without feeling guilty about it”

    Ick.

  3. LOVE ANGELINA says:

    I am kinda of annoyed with them. So they aren’t getting divorced and not even thinking about it, why announce a separation? I can’t understand the point of that. I don’t think Courtney is dating that costar of hers either. I am sure she is more professional than that. I hope so.

  4. Lisa Turtle says:

    I think David hasn’t grown up at all and at some point Courtney realized she wants/needs a partner, not another child.

  5. alejandro says:

    Why the need to announce a separation if there is no divorce imminent? The pictures of him and other chicks could have been handled differently. Something tells me they’re enjoying this newfound press and relevancy.

  6. N.D. says:

    The point of announcing the separation is the same as the point of separating – they want to live their lifes separatedly officially and openly. They want to explore other things/people without offending each other and being called names in the press.

  7. Rita says:

    Divorce announcement to follow in a couple of months. Both are dating others, CC is definitely with her co-star. Major PR spin in effect. The things she says about JA is what most people would be saying about their significant others. Just the cold hard facts for those who still want to believe in the tooth fairy.

  8. terryo says:

    David went younger and should stay with the young one.

  9. mln says:

    I actually like that she made that statement instead of throwing Dave under the bus. My perception of the situation is that they are seeing other people and it was initiated by Courtney so she could bone her co-star but she is better at keeping her shizz under the radar. Remember the seperation was only announced after Dave got caught with some chick.

  10. Diane says:

    I’m with Marjalane on this one.

  11. Raynor says:

    I think they’re both really quite lovely from all the interviews I’ve seen. They’ve always been really open and genuine without being salacious or fame-whorey. I hope they work it out. I wouldn’t be surprised either way though, whether they got back together or split for keeps.

  12. J says:

    @Marjalane and Diane, judgmental much?

    These two are adults. Maybe they will divorce and maybe they won’t. What is wrong with the two of them taking time apart to explore other options and trying to figure out what will make them both happy? God forbid people don’t work out there relationships the way that you two would. I hope if you ever have relationship problems, people privy to your situation are less judgmental than you are.

  13. Scarlet Vixen says:

    My 1st husband and I separated for several months about 2 yrs after we got married for apparently similar reasons: he was a child and I was his ‘mommy’ (I paid all the bills, gave him an allowance, etc). We reconciled for 3 yrs but eventually divorced because nothing had changed. I was still the parent and he the child. So, while we got along fine, rarely fought, etc. I couldn’t live like that anymore–especially after we had a baby. So, while I feel bad for them both–separation/divorce are NEVER easy–I completely understand WHY. I also understand the “we may not get divorced” statement. Maybe they still love each other very much and she’s hoping this is a wake-up call (altho that inevitably didn’t work when I tried it)…

  14. Moreaces says:

    I think any any couple in Hwood can make it work, they can, they just seem like they belong together. I wish them luck..I think David truly loves his wife more than anything else

  15. Moreaces says:

    N.D.:
    November 1st, 2010 at 9:27 am The point of announcing the separation is the same as the point of separating – they want to live their lifes separatedly officially and openly. They want to explore other things/people without offending each other and being called names in the press.

    ===========
    Makes sense to me, they put it out there themselves, So that the tab’s cant spin whatever nonsense they want to spend, and they can live their life, and see what happens, no one really seems like the smuck.

  16. Kim says:

    The tabs were about to post a story about David sleeping with that waitress/actress. IDK if I could resume a marriage after David has told the world he had sex with 2-3 women on HS show. Annaloo did your husband have “relations” with other women during the “break” and if so how did you deal with that?

  17. lo says:

    I think separations are kinda weird. It’s like, we’re living apart, leading separate lives, dating other people, oh but SOME DAY we will get back together. It’s like permissible infidelity. I’m not sure how I’d feel about my husband banging other chicks while I’m on the backburner. It seems like most separations end in divorce anyway.

  18. lucy2 says:

    I can understand taking a break and re-evaluating the marriage, but I can’t say I’d be OK with dating or sleeping around. I don’t know how you can go back to a marriage after that.

    Hearing that the tabloids were about to print the story, now it makes more sense to me why they’re both talking publicly about it, trying to control the story and keep it from turning into a free for all.

  19. original kate says:

    sometimes a seperation is the best thing a couple can do to preserve the marriage/relationship. too many couples split as soon as the going gets rough without thinking it through, but then again alot of couples jump to get married too quickly as well. maybe these two will live apart for awhile and decide after careful consideration to get together again or split for good. but at least they are being adult and not calling names and tweeting about it 24 hours a day.

  20. cee says:

    All a publicity stunt and it worked. Except for one thing noone really cares anymore so what do they do??? Bring Brad and Angie’s name in to it with tabloid story. CC/DA and JA are maipulative thus the divorce denial. Because the lie did not work!!!!!!!

  21. Diane says:

    J: Yeah, I guess I am judgmental when it comes to marriage. Not dating, not living together, marriage. BIG difference.

  22. Anti-icon says:

    I think they’re handling the whole mess with class.

  23. AWHODAT says:

    Rita @ #7 and Cee @ # 20:
    I think you both are reading this situation with the Cox-Arquettes accurately.

    Their situation is similar to Brad’s situation in that, there was a mutual decision by the couple to separate SOMETIME BEFORE THE MEDIA GOT A WHIFF OF IT.

    Unlike the Cox-Arquettes, however, it wasnt a trial separation. At least, not as far as Brad was concerned. For Brad, the separation was prelude to divorce, because he already knew that he was not interested in reconciliation. For Brad, there was no going backward. He was ready to move on with his life.

    And he thought he and his then wife were on the same page.

    But just as how you see Courtney here talking about the possibility of a reconciliation with David and that during this period of separation, they can f0ck other people, THAT IS WHAT JEN WANTED BRAD TO DO.

    THAT IS WHAT JEN WANTED BRAD TO DO WITH ANGELINA WHEN SHE WAS TOLD BY BRAD THAT HE WAS ATTRACTED TO ANGIE.

    And i feel strongly that Courtney was right there urging jen to tell Brad thats what he should do. Cos thats what Courtney is accepting of David doing.

    Now lets remember that there is no pre-nup with the Cox-Arquettes and Courtney is richer than David. So even tho she stands to lose 50% under California laws, maybe theres more at stake financially which she wouldnt want to have to share with David.

    So publicly, shes coming out looking like the uber-understanding spouse of this child-man. Later, when david realizes that in fact, she had no intention of reconciling, public support will have been on her side and perhaps she can ride a publicity wave.

    Granted, it wont be as big as the one her BFF rode (and continues to ride – even if that is beginning to wane at this point, especially now that people are seeing the original pity-party expert and professional whiner in a clearer light.)

    Anyhoo, pass the popcorn.

    i am just waiting to hear what little David has to say about the whole cabal, when he gets past his hurt and pain and is left only with anger when he realizes that he’s been had. By his wife and her BFF.

  24. MuMu says:

    @Awhodat. I always thought it was strange that Courtney knew the intimate details of Jen’s relationship, including that Brad told Jen he was attracted to Angie. Then, when Jen did that interview, she brought her friends + Courtney along. They all spoke on her behalf and one bad-mouthed Brad, saying he didn’t want kids, etc. I really think these people are really strange and manipulative. It does seem like they’ve been playing some kind of a game. And while I was sympathetic towards Courtney, now I don’t know how to feel about her. I’m starting to feel more sorry for David. He may be a dopey man-child, but he strikes me as a much more honest person than the others.

  25. Kim says:

    Seperation is not a excuse to go out and have affairs and all is ok because you were seperated! If David has hooked up with a girl(s) and/or Courtney has hooked up with anyone they should get divorced. If anything, for their daughters sake. Dont drag her thru your affairs/trying to figure out how to save your marriage. They certainly arent working on how to save the marriage when he is out sleeping with other girls! Just get a divorce already!

  26. Kim says:

    Public support will not be on her side. She has not hidden the fact that she was most likely hooking up with her costar and she is allowing her husband to cheat?? come on. Thats pathetic. No one is going to support that.

  27. original kate says:

    “THAT IS WHAT JEN WANTED BRAD TO DO WITH ANGELINA WHEN SHE WAS TOLD BY BRAD THAT HE WAS ATTRACTED TO ANGIE.”

    why is it that a post about courteney cox & david arquette brings out the brangeloonies?

  28. AWHODAT says:

    But Kim @ #26, people are already giving her props for being so ‘unselfish’ and ‘understanding’ and ‘mature’ about the whole thing. barf.

    Ive been on sites (like HuffPo) where some people say that if she didnt want to ‘be his mom anymore’ like both of them have confessed, then she has done the right thing in calling for this separation and giving him the freedom to ‘be himself’.

    Poor stupid david doesnt seem to realize that its highly unlikely that she will want him back. She has obviously come to the end of her tether, with mothering this manchild. She’s now ready to move on.

    Remember, she was already in an older-man/younger-woman relationship when she shacked up for all those years with a very married Michael Keaton.

    Then she married David, a man younger than herself. Now with the rumors about her and her co-star, seems that courtney is ready to see what its like to be with a mature, equal partner.

    Buh bye David.

    I’m just hoping that when it finally gets through to David that his marriage is over, and that he was manipulated by his wife, that he will go back to his Howard Stern confessional and really spill the beans about the godless circle, especially about his wife’s BFF. Cos you KNOW Stern is itching for him to do that. LOL

  29. Jeri says:

    No one knows what’s happening except for them (and maybe David doesn’t realize the finality of it or he does and can’t admit it) but in general I think most people that separate do end up divorcing. Not all but most.

  30. AWHODAT says:

    You know, i have a sneaky suspicion that jen’s puppetmeister is telling her to lay low on the cox-arquette situation because if she says anything publicly, then some retrospective eyes will turn on what happened with HER divorce over 5 years ago.

    And she might not like the new conclusions that people will come to.

    The good news is, the retrospection is already underway.

  31. lisa says:

    I wonder if this has anything to do with the fact that they don’t have a prenup.

    She has not said anything about David.. just weird to me with a child that is getting old enough to understand that Daddy is sleeping with someone that is not mommy. And Courteney is just fine with that..

    YEAH it is strange. And that whole “circle of Friends” have a lot of hidden secrets.. David could spill a lot of stuff.. It seems like she doesn’t want to make him mad.

    talk David…Talk..TALK…TALK..

  32. lucy2 says:

    @cee – you really think they did all this for a publicity stunt??? Wow. Really?

  33. Cheyenne says:

    @Kim: separation may not be an excuse to have an affair, but if spouses are legally separated and have an affair, the affair may not be used later as grounds for divorce. In a legal separation both spouses may act as if they are not married. That includes having sex with other people.

  34. mimi says:

    I don’t get this “growing apart” crap. I really don’t. I hear it all the time as a reason people break up. Your vows are “till death do us part” – not “til we grow apart.” The grass is not greener folks…trust.

  35. AWHODAT says:

    original kate:
    November 1st, 2010 at 3:38 pm
    …..why is it that a post about courteney cox & david arquette brings out the brangeloonies?

    …………………………..

    What you really wanna ask is: why is it that a post about courtney cox & david arquette brings up jen? Am i right?

    The answer is obvious but i’ll tell you anyway since you appear to believe youve posted an innocent question: would there be YET ANOTHER POST about the Cox-Arquette separation and the fallout, if they didnt have an association with jennifer aniston and, inevitably, Brad and Angelina?

    Come on now, dont be naive or dishonest. About half-a-dozens couples split within a two-week period in October. Do you remember who they all are? Is Celebitchy making threads about them, some 2 weeks later?

    You then might wanna ask yourself, why therefore, are the cox-arquettes getting so much attention?

    I am not going to insult your intelligence by answering that obvious question.

  36. albeli says:

    I don’t find their candor humanizing. It’s bizarre. The world at large does not need to be privy to the private details of their marriage/arrangement. I still think he’s an ass for spilling his guts on Howard Stern, and now I think she’s an ass, too.

    Been a fan of hers for years, but I’ve lost all respect for her now.

  37. December says:

    @ AWHODAT – You, simply put, are crazy. This has nothing to do with Brad and Angelina, and I’m sure if you were able to ask them, they’d ask what are you smoking and why do you think they are involved in Courtney and David’s business.

    I’m sure Jennifer Aniston is flattered of all the attention you’re crediting her though.

  38. Happy Pilgrim says:

    Read often… rarely comment…

    I agree with Celebitchy, the candidness is refreshing (and none of our business). Five years ago, after five years of marriage (and my husband being child-like) we lived separately for 11 months (no kids) sometimes in therapy/seeing each other; and at one point (for me) seeing someone else (while separated). It happens. Marriage is hard (that’s why 50% get divorced). Better to try hard to work it out and be honest. More than five years later we’re still married (almost feels like on our second marriage–but to each other). No one knows what truly happens in others’ marriages.

  39. Newbie says:

    Can we Pleeeaaasssee not talk about Brad, Jen and Angie? Please? How the conspiracy theorists seem to come out of the woodwork over absolutely NOTHING. Really? The Cox/Arquette separation will shed new light on Jen/Brad’s divorce? Just stop already.

  40. Newbie says:

    Here’s a little question for anyone wanting to share their two cents: How many of you think that an open relationship in a marriage can work? I go back and forth sometimes. I’ve known only 4 couples who’ve done it, and all of them ended up divorcing. Thoughts?

  41. Newbie says:

    “What you really wanna ask is: why is it that a post about courtney cox & david arquette brings up jen? Am i right?”

    No. Actually, Courtney brought up Jennifer. Refer back to the post. Nobody brought her up. Courtney and Jennifer are best friends. The answer is quite simple, actually.

  42. Getreal says:

    Courtney brought up jennifer, that is true. And courtney and jennifer are bff, that is true. I think courtney is the one who wants to make the association. Because why did she not mention her other friends who got divorced recently? Jen’s divorce was five years ago. Why bring her up now? All these people are such game players.

    I agree, david needs to continue talking.

  43. nnn says:

    I think they just want to have sex and have fun with other poeple while still loving each other. Maybe the sex isn’t amazung anymore but thy don’t want to suffer the public backlash of having other sexual partners.

    Hence,it’s more convenient to take a very public and official break in order to not having the embarrassing stamps ” open marriage”, “cheating” stuck on them.

    I beleive they both had sex with other poeple while married for a very long time. They are in an open marriage as far as i am concerned and don’t want the backlash, hence that stunt and all the very public details about their sex life in and outside the couple.

  44. Ruffian9 says:

    No prenup, Courtney?