We previously reported that the Oscar-winning actress Nicole Kidman and her country music star husband Keith Urban had separated after 19 years of marriage. At the time, insiders were claiming that Kidman was desperately “fighting to save her marriage.” They also alleged that she’d felt “blindsided” by Urban wanting to separate.
Hours later, however, Kidman, 58, officially filed for divorce from Urban, 58. This came amidst rumors that Urban had already moved on with a “new girlfriend.”
Last month, we reported that Kidman and Urban had finally finalized their divorce. Now, Urban is allegedly “raging” at reports that Kidman may have a new love interest in her life.
Urban ‘Is Raging’
Earlier this week, TMZ reported that Kidman, 58, is being romantically pursued by the multi-millionaire Paul Salem, 62. He is the Chairman of the Board of MGM Resorts International. Indeed, Salem has reportedly been letting his social circle know that he is romantically interested in Kidman, who he shares many mutual friends with.
According to insiders, this news has not sat well with Urban, 58,
“Keith is raging at the idea of Nicole being linked to anyone so quickly. And the fact he is an older, distinguished multi-millionaire is only fueling that anger and jealousy at the prospect of them getting together,” a source told Radar Online. “Even though the divorce was amicable on paper, it’s still raw for him. Seeing her name connected to a powerful, wealthy executive has hit a nerve.”
Another insider close to the situation said that Urban’s negative reaction is more about timing than jealousy.
“Keith knew the day when Nicole decided to move on would come. But he didn’t expect speculation about her love life to begin so soon after their divorce was finalized,” this source said. “He feels protective of his family and doesn’t like the circus that comes with these kinds of romance rumors.”
Salem holds degrees from Brown University and Harvard Business School. He joined the MGM Resorts International board in 2018 and became chairman in 2020. Salem is also one of the owners of the Worcester Red Sox. Estimates of his net worth vary, but it’s somewhere between $25 and $58 million.
Kidman’s Friends Downplay Potential Romance
Despite Urban’s concerns, sources close to Kidman are trying to downplay the chances of her having a romance with Salem.
“Nicole knows that Paul has made no secret of the fact that he admires her, and she’s flattered in a general sense, but there is no romantic relationship there,” claimed a Kidman insider.
“They’re not seeing each other privately, and she isn’t entertaining the idea of dating anyone at this point. Her energy is firmly directed toward her daughters and the professional commitments she has lined up,” this source added. “Coming out of a 19-year marriage is a major life shift, and she’s being intentional about giving herself space to recalibrate before even thinking about another relationship.”
Another friend of Kidman’s said that the actress is focused on entering a new chapter of her life.
“Nicole genuinely feels like she’s stepping into a new phase with a clear head and a lighter heart,” that insider said. “Spending the holidays back home in Australia gave her a sense of perspective and calm, and returning to Nashville with that mindset has helped her feel steady and centered. She’s not looking to complicate her life with a new relationship right now – her focus is on her family, her projects, and rebuilding on her own terms.”
Kidman Pours Herself Into Her Work
Meanwhile, it seems that Kidman is putting all of her energy into her film work. Last summer, she filmed the long awaited sequel to Practical Magic with Sandra Bullock.
“Right now, Nicole is channeling almost all of her emotional and mental energy into her work,” a production source concluded. “She’s someone who feels most balanced when she’s immersed in a creative process, developing characters, producing projects, and collaborating with people she trusts. Staying professionally engaged gives her structure and purpose, and that’s where her attention is firmly fixed at this stage.”
This was Urban’s first and only marriage. It was the second marriage for Kidman, who was previously married to her fellow A-list Hollywood star Tom Cruise from 1990 until they divorced in 2001.
After nearly two decades of marriage, perhaps it’s best if Kidman waits a bit before starting another romance. Only time will tell if Urban’s fears that Kidman will find love again so soon are realized!