Nicole Kidman has finally confirmed her romance with Simon Baker, sending shockwaves through Hollywood. After months of speculation, the couple debuted their relationship on the red carpet at Scarpetta, with Nicole admitting that their chemistry “just vibrates,” and Simon teasing, “I don’t kiss and tell.”
But it’s not just the public debut that has caused a stir—Nicole’s ex-husband, Keith Urban, is reeling from the news, especially after seeing them hold hands at the event. An insider revealed that Keith was “shocked” by the sight, which felt like a betrayal to him, especially considering the close bond between Nicole and Simon, who had supported Naomi Watts during her split from Liev Schreiber. This time, however, things are different as Simon is no longer single.
“Keith is hoping they’re just hamming it up for the headlines, but it feels like a betrayal to him because both Nicole and Simon know how much even the hint of a romance would hurt him,” the source explains. “He already suspected something was going on while they were filming, and now it feels like his worst nightmare has come true.”
Just hours after their red carpet moment, Nicole, 58, was spotted entering an afterparty for the New York premiere of Amazon’s new adaptation of Patricia Cornwell’s book series. Simon, 56, was right by her side. The pair, along with co-star Jamie Lee Curtis, were seen deep in conversation, clearly enjoying each other’s company at a private party at Cafe Zaffri at The Twenty Two New York.
Nicole and Simon’s relationship has deep roots. The actress has been friends with Simon’s ex-wife, Rebecca Rigg, for years, and is even the godmother to Simon’s son Harry, 24. Their long history is what’s hitting Keith the hardest. “He hates that they’re giving interviews about how close they are,” the source adds. “He’s in total shock that she would flaunt a new relationship so soon after their divorce.”
Keith’s heartbreak is compounded by the strained relationship with his daughters, Sunday, 17, and Faith, 15, who have remained distant from him since their split last September. “Simon poses a real threat to Keith because the girls absolutely adore him,” says the insider. “If Nicole’s in a relationship with Simon, he needs to be told. He can see it affecting his already fractured relationship with Sunday and Faith.”
The insider also shared, “Seeing Nicole hold Simon’s hand on the red carpet is hard for Keith to digest. He knows how much she used to lean on him in those moments—now she’s relying on Simon, and it’s painful for him to witness.”
