‘Not Classy’
Christina Anstead has finally made her split from husband Ant official with an emotional Instagram post.
But fans are split by the reaction of her ex-husband Tarek El Moussa. Did he really need to say all that?
Rising Star
Christina shot to fame in 2013 when her house-flipping show ‘Flip Or Flop’ was a hit when it aired on HGTV.
The show saw Christina and then-husband Tarek buying rundown houses and fixing them up before selling them on for a profit. But unfortunately, their relationship wouldn’t see the same level of success.
Splitting Up
The couple - who have two children Taylor, 10, and Brayden, 5 - decided to call it quits in 2016 before finalizing the divorce in January 2018.
“We weren’t able to properly communicate anymore,” Christina said. “It got to the point where we weren’t even driving to set together.” But soon, things would start looking up for the reality TV star.
New Love, New Show
Christina met fellow reality TV star Ant Anstead in 2017. The Brit has his own successful series of shows about cars and mechanics, while Christina’s career would soon see her renovating her own post-divorce home on new show ‘Christina On The Coast’.
The couple married in December 2018, and their son Hudson soon followed in September 2019. But less than two years down the line, Christina would announce her happy marriage was in trouble.
On The Rocks
Back in December 2018, the future looked bright for Christina. The real estate investor and reality star had found love again after her marriage to Tarek El Moussa ended in divorce earlier that year.
But recently, when Christina revealed they had decided to part ways, fans were quick to offer sympathy - making Tarek’s response all the more strange.
Big Announcement
"Ant and I have made the difficult decision to separate," Christina wrote in a post.
"We are grateful for each other and as always, our children will remain our priority. We appreciate your support and ask for privacy for us and our family as we navigate the future." But it’s what Tarek posted shortly after that really caused controversy.
Difficult Split
While the actual divorce between Christina and Tarek was somewhat rocky, the pair eventually agreed to work together to be co-parents for their two children - and to continue their show ‘Flip Or Flop.’
Tarek also moved on, proposing to ‘Selling Sunset’s’ Heather Rae Young in July 2020, which is part of what ‘Flip Or Flop’ fans objected to when he made an Instagram post of his own.
Bouncing Back
On top of his new relationship, Tarek’s career has gone from strength to strength. The real estate mogul rebuilt his fortune after losing everything during the 2008 economic crash.
Since then, he has flipped more than 500 houses, ‘Flip Or Flop’ is now in its ninth season, and a new show ‘Flipping 101’ has just been launched. But what are his views on Christina’s failed marriage?
Frosty Relationship
"Christina and Tarek only talk about work and the kids,” a source told Hollywood Life. “They're not really friends.
“As the mother of his children, he wants her to be happy, but they don't discuss personal lives at all." However, he did share how he felt about the news that she and Ant would be separating.
Not Optimistic
An insider told Us Magazine that Tarek wasn’t happy to hear Christina’s news. "Tarek is sad that Christina is going through a hard time," they said.
"But [he] did not think that Christina and Ant would last." And on top of the fact that he didn’t hold out much hope for their relationship, Tarek would soon rub even more salt into the wound.
Loving Life
Days after Christina’s heartbreaking post, Tarek posted about how great things are going for him and his new fiancée.
"I don't know...I'm just so excited about life!!" he shared in the caption next to a photo of him and Heather beaming at the camera. "I'm in love, I'm engaged, ‘Flipping 101’ is on the air, and ‘Flip or Flop’ is on the way." But he didn’t stop there.
Living The Dream
"I dreamed of this life and I got it by believing I could do it and working my tail off!!" he added, somewhat insensitively considering what his ex had posted very recently.
Heather added her own comments, "I dreamt of this life with you," followed by several heart emojis. But some commenters didn’t think it was the best timing for such a positive post.
Can’t Win
One commenter lambasted Tarek for posting about how well his life is going when his wife is going through such a difficult time. “You are so full of yourself while your ex is announcing the separation,” wrote huskers2006. “Not classy.”
“Lol I can’t win,” Tarek replied, adding a shrug emoji. But it seems there were plenty of people coming out in support of the star.
Be Happy
"Because Christina just announced her divorce, Tarek and Heather are supposed to lay low and not show any type of happiness they have together...??" one Tarek fan commented in support. "Let these two be happy."
Another added, "LOVE how well you all get along and how much the kids adore Heather....wonderful when everyone can co-parent together as adults! Refreshing to see!" But despite some people’s views on the post, Tarek and Christina have been spotted working together long after the split.
Keeping It Professional
Tarek and Christina were seen shooting the new season of ‘Flip Or Flop’ together days after she dropped the bombshell that she was separating from Ant.
People magazine claims the pair seemed to be chatting amicably and there was no tension between them. But some speculate that working together and having so many family members to keep track of could have caused problems in her relationship with Ant.
Blended Family
Ant had previously mentioned that there were so many people involved in their relationship that it was often difficult to juggle.
He told Entertainment Tonight, "We wanted to make it about the kids. It's the six of us. We're a blended family so it was really important for them to be a part of it. Everybody has to be present and pulling in the same direction. That includes Tarek, it includes my ex." Hopefully, they can all make it work for the kids!