10 Celebs Who Downgraded And 10 Who Actually Upgraded
Cheating isn't uncommon in Hollywood. It seems like every year, there's a big tabloid story about a star having an affair. After decades of celebrities cheating, the public is used to this type of behavior. Yet, that hasn't stopped them from passing judgment. No matter who the cheater's lover is, they're going to come under scrutiny.
Most of the judgment that comes from the public is the celeb's choice in partner. Sometimes the celebs date a better who has it all in the looks and wealth department. This is most commonly referred to as an upgrade. however, there are occasions where a celebrity may cheat with someone you wouldn't expect. These people may not be good looking and don't offer much in terms of a long-lasting relationship. These are referred to as downgrades.
From Brangelina to Jennifer Lopez to Ethan Hawke, these celebs have traded their partners in for someone new. Whether it's for another celebrity or a regular person, the new couple will have the spotlight on them. A few of the cheater's choice in lovers has the public wondering what they were thinking. These new flames don't hold a candle to the cheater's former spouse. Although, there are exceptions where the new partner outshines the ex-spouse.
In this list, we've narrowed down 10 celeb cheaters who downgraded with their new partners. We've also included 10 cheaters who upgraded to a better partner.
20 Downgraded - Tori Spelling: Life With Dean Turned Into A Soap Opera
In 2004, Tori Spelling married her first husband Charlie Shanian in a lavish ceremony at her father's mansion. Like his wife, Shanian was an actor and writer, although not nearly as famous as Miss Spelling. After one year of marriage, the couple divorced due to Tori's affair with co-star Dean McDermott.
Despite the public scandal, Tori went on to marry Dean and have children with him. Things looked well for the new family; however, before too long another scandal erupted with the couple. Dean was once again caught cheating and entered rehab for his addiction. Aside from the cheating, the couple has also faced financial issues. Between their personal and professional troubles, it's been one heartache after another for the couple.
Tori's once fairy-tale life has turned into a soap opera ever since she married Dean.
19 Upgraded - Meg Ryan: Choose A Gladiator
Petite cutie Meg Ryan was once Hollywood's sweetheart. Her niche for playing lovable characters in romantic comedies made her a huge success. But in 2001, her reputation took a huge hit when she divorced her husband of 10 years Dennis Quaid to hook up with her Proof of Life co-star Russell Crowe.
At the time, Russell was an upcoming star in Hollywood and him dating one of Hollywood's favorite actresses caused a media sensation. However, their relationship lasted only a few months. Since the scandal, Quaid and Crowe have maintained successful careers, while Meg's has taken a downfall.
After fans began turning on Meg due to her betrayal, she went on record stating that Dennis was the one who had been unfaithful first. If what Meg says is true, who could blame her for seeking comfort from The Gladiator?
18 Downgraded - Ethan Hawke: Nanny Wife Is No Uma
In the late 90s, Ethan Hawke and Uma Thurman were one of Hollywood's prettiest couples. The two met on the set of Gattaca, then married a year later. They kept a fairly quiet home life with their two children, but in 2003 a cheating scandal hit the couple. Ethan was reportedly having an affair with their nanny Ryan Shawhughes. Hawke denied the allegations, but a few years later he married Ryan and together they have two daughters.
Ryan Shawhughes is definitely hit it big by marrying an actor. She now enjoys a life of red carpet events and mingling with her husband's famous pals. Yet, she's very different from Ethan's ex-wife. While her tattoos and casual lifestyle may fit perfectly with Ethan's personality, it's a stark contrast from the glamorous Uma Thurman who makes camera turn every time she steps on the red carpet.
17 Upgraded - Leann Rimes: Onscreen Chemistry Leads To Real Life Romance
Both stars were married at the time, Eddie to model Brandi Glanville and Leann to Dean Sheremet. Leann had married Dean when she was just twenty-years-old and seemed in love with her husband as she constantly gushed about him. Yet, Leann wasn't prone to the temptation of Hollywood and given Eddie's good looks, she couldn't control herself.
The fallout from the affair didn't stop Leann and Eddie from continuing their relationship, the two married in 2011 and Leann has settled into her role as wife and stepmother to Eddie's sons.
16 Downgraded - Tiger Woods: Golfer Put His Putter In Uchitel
Tiger Woods was one of the world's biggest athletes. The professional golfer raked up numerous trophies along with billions of dollars in endorsement deals. In 2004, he married blonde beauty Elin Nordegren, a former model from Sweden. The pair settled down in Florida, where they raised their two children. Tiger was always known as a good person and fans were happy to see him with his new family.
But in 2009, the public would learn there was another side to Tiger Woods. News of Tiger's infidelity hit the tabloids when it was revealed he was seeing Rachel Uchitel. Their affair began when the two met at a New York nightclub. However, it would later be revealed that Rachel wasn't Tiger's only mistresses. He was rumored to have at least a dozen women he was fooling around with.
The affairs not only lead to the end of his marriage but he career.
15 Upgraded - Jason Aldean: Made Music With Younger Singer
In the music industry, it's not uncommon for singers to cheat. One singer who was recently engaged in a cheating scandal was country star, Jason Aldean.
Jason married his sweetheart Jessica Ann Ussery in 2001 long before he hit it big. Jessica was a supportive wife as Jason embarked on his singing career. But while Jessica was at home taking care of their children, Jason was on the road enjoying the company of other women. In 2012, Jason and former American Idol contestant Brittany Kerr admitted to their affair.
Jessica filed for divorce after Jason admitted his affair and once the ink was dry on the papers, he moved on with Brittany. In 2015, Jason and Brittany tied the knot, then two years later they welcomed their first child, a son named Memphis.
14 Downgraded - Jude Law: Sienna Didn't Satisfy Him
After divorcing his wife Sadie Frost, actor Jude Law began dating actress Sienna Miller. The handsome British actor and the blonde actress became one of Hollywood's hottest couples. They met on the set of Alfie and became engaged shortly after filming ended.
Yet, just as they began making wedding plans, a scandal erupted. Jude was caught fooling around with his children's nanny, a woman named Daisy Wright. The story immediately hit the press and Jude apologized for his indiscretion.
A heartbroken Sienna was humiliated over Jude's betrayal and dumped the philandering actor. But two years later, the couple reconciled much to the public's shock. However, the second time wasn't the charm as the couple split just a few months later.
Since then both Jude and Sienna have moved on with new lovers, and in 2012 Sienna became a mother when she welcomed a daughter named Marlowe.
13 Upgraded - Jennifer Lopez: Traded Backup Dancer For A-Lister
Jennifer Lopez's love life has long been the subject of tabloid speculation. In 2002, the tabloids had a field day when Jennifer Lopez and actor Ben Affleck went public with their relationship. The two began an affair while filming the movie Gigli. At the time, Jennifer was married to dancer Cris Judd. Yet, she was quick to end their nine-month marriage for Affleck.
Jennifer and Ben dubbed Bennifer by the press became the most sought-after couple. Every week, their pictures made the cover of the tabloids. While Jennifer loved the attention, it became too much for Ben, who reportedly turned to drinking and gambling. His wild behavior leads to him hooking up with strippers while he was away filming a movie. After news broke of Ben's infidelity, the coupled ended their two-year relationship.
12 Downgraded - Arnold Schwarzenegger: Went From Kennedy To Housekeeper
For 25 years, Arnold Schwarzenegger and Maria Shriver were one of Hollywood's biggest couples. The bodybuilding actor/California Governor and the Kennedy heir/news reporter seemed like a good match. Yet, their marriage was far from perfect. During Arnold's campaign for Governor, numerous women spoke out about him getting frisky with them. Arnold admitted his guilt to his claims and later won the election.
But that wasn't the end of his indiscretions.
In 2011, shortly after announcing their divorce, it was revealed that Arnold had an affair with their housekeeper Mildred Baena. The affair began in early 1997 around the time Maria was pregnant with the couple's fourth child. Later that year, Mildred would give birth to Arnold's son Joseph.
Arnold and Mildred's affair was shocking on so many levels, but the public was more surprised the stark contrast in appearance between Maria and Mildred. Guess Arnold isn't too picking when it comes to women.
11 Upgraded - Tom Brady: Switched From One Model To Another
Quarterback Tom Brady is no stranger to scandal, and no we're not talking about Deflategate. In 2007, his personal life became headline news when he left his girlfriend actress Bridget Moynahan for model Gisele Bundchen. The cheating scandal got even juicier when Bridget revealed she was pregnant with Tom's baby. In August of that year, Bridget gave birth to a son named John.
Despite the baby drama, Tom and Gisele's relationship continued. She even adjusted to her new role as John's stepmother by going on record saying she feels like he's her own child. After two years of dating, Tom and Gisele married in 2009. They would later go on to have two kids of their own.
As for Bridget, the couple maintains a friendly relationship with Brady's ex. The trio is often photographed together cheering on John at one of his sporting events.
10 Downgraded - Prince Charles: Camilla Is No People's Princess
One of the biggest scandals to hit the world was Prince Charles and Princess Diana's divorce. The royal couple wed in an extravagant ceremony in 1981 that was watched by millions of viewers. But as the public would soon learn, they didn't have a fairytale life. When they separated in 1992, it was revealed that for years Charles had been cheating on Diana with Camilla Parker Bowles.
The public was outraged and immediately sided with Diana in the divorce. Years after his divorce and the death of Diana, Charles and Camilla kept a low profile. Yet, they finally went public with their relationship in the early 2000s. After nearly three decades together, the couple married in 2005.
Even though she's married to the next heir to the throne, it's obvious the public won't accept Camilla as the new People's Princess.
9 Upgraded - Denise Richards: Ditched Troubled Husband For Bon Jovi Heartthrob
When Denise Richards married Charlie Sheen, it appeared she had finally tamed him of his wild ways. Yet, as she would soon learn, it's hard for a bad boy to change his ways. While Denise was pregnant with the couple's second child, the couple separated. Despite attempts at reconciliation, they divorced.
Shortly after their divorce was finalized, Denise began dating Bon Jovi guitarists Richie Sambora. The pairing caused controversy since Sambora was married to Denise's best friend, actress Heather Locklear. Rumors circulated that the two were secretly having an affair, yet Denise has gone on record saying their romance didn't begin until they were separated from their spouses.
The public didn't buy Denise's story and she was branded a homewrecker, then later blacklisted from Hollywood. As for her relationship with Sambora, that was short-lived just like her marriage to Charlie.
8 Downgraded - Jesse James: Biker Prefers Tattooed Women Over America's Sweetheart
Fans of Sandra Bullock were shocked when she married tattooed biker/businessman Jesse James in 2005. The two seemed like opposites and James wasn't a good fit for Hollywood's sweetheart. Yet, as long as Sandra was happy that was all that mattered. James appeared to be a devoted husband as he accompanied his wife to red carpet events and cheered as she won an Academy Award.
Yet, after Sandra's big night, her world came crashing down. News broke that Jesse had cheated on Sandra with Michelle “Bombshell” McGee, a tattooed model. McGee had no problem blabbing tidbits about the affair to the tabloids. As details kept emerging about Jesse's philandering ways, Sandra filed for divorce from the bad boy biker. James would later go on to marry another tattooed woman, drag racer Alexis Dejoria.
7 Upgraded - Kevin Federline: Hit The Big Time With Britney
Kevin Federline went from nobody to being famous when he married pop sensation Britney Spears in 2004. From the moment they started dating, the two made headline news. Prior to dating Britney, Kevin was in a relationship with actress Shar Jackson. At the time Shar was pregnant with the couple's second child when Kevin left her for Britney.
Despite the controversy, Kevin married Britney after a whirlwind romance. He immediately became a star and enjoyed his new, rich lifestyle. Using his wife's connection, Federline tried to start a rap career, which didn't go anywhere. A little over a year after their wedding, the couple welcomed their first child a son named Sean Preston. Their second son Jayden was born a year later.
But shortly after Jayden's birth, Britney divorced Kevin, thus ending his life of luxury.
6 Downgraded - Kristen Stewart: Twilight Star Tried To Find Love With Older Man
Being cast as Bella in the film adaption of the Twilight series did wonders for Kristen Stewart. Not only did she shoot to stardom thanks to the movies, but she also met boyfriend Robert Pattinson. Twilight fans were in for a delight when it was revealed the two co-stars were dating.
But their storybook romance came to an end when Kristen decided to seek out an older companion in director Rupert Sanders. The actress and director became close while filming Snow White and the Huntsman. The two managed to keep their affair private until they were caught canoodling in a public park.
When their affair was exposed, the two publicly apologized for their indiscretions, but that wasn't enough to save their relationships with their partners. Kristen's betrayal not only broke Robert's heart but also the hearts of Twilight fans.
5 Upgraded - Katharine McPhee: Couldn't Resist Getting Smashed By Director
American Idol alum turned actress Katharine McPhee has shown she has a preference for older men. While she was still competing on the reality show competition, she married her boyfriend Nick Cokas, who was nearly 20 years her senior. Despite the huge age difference, Katharine and Nick's relationship appeared to be on solid ground.
But as Katharine's acting career started to rise, trouble in paradise ensued. While starring on the NBC show Smash, McPhee became close with handsome director Michael Morris, who was married to actress Mary McCormack. Their affair was outed after paparazzi caught the two in a liplock. Michael and Mary's marriage survived the fallout, but the same couldn't be said for Katharine and Nick.
But Katharine didn't stay single for long, she's currently dating another older man, music producer David Foster.
4 Downgraded - Alex Rodriguez: Became Madonna's Next Conquest
Alex Rodriguez has always had a reputation for being a womanizer. Yet, he seemed ready to turn his life around when he married his wife Cynthia in 2002. Soon afterward the couple would welcome two daughters into their new family. But after six years together, their marriage came to an end.
The rumor for their divorce was Alex's affair with Madonna. The Material Girl singer was seventeen years his senior, and from the moment the rumors started, the pair seemed like an odd couple. But given Madonna's romantic history, it shows that no man can resist the Queen of Pop.
A-Rod and Madonna denied an affair was going on and claimed they were good friends. Despite the claims of friendship, something must've happened with A-Rod and Madonna, since their spouses filed for divorce.
3 Upgraded - John Cena: Found Match In WWE Darling
John Cena is one of WWE top wrestlers, who's found mainstream success in Hollywood. Not only is he a talented performer, but he's also very handsome. In 2009, female fans were heartbroken when Cena married his high-school sweetheart Elizabeth Huberdeau. But their marriage was short-lived, ending after three years.
Shortly afterward, Cena began dating his co-worker WWE Diva Nikki Bella. The timing of their relationship made fans believe that they were having an affair. There were even reports that his ex-accused him of cheating, however, these rumors have never been proven or disproven.
Nikki is very different from Elizabeth. Cena's ex-wife as a party girl, who liked to get drunk and wild with friends. Meanwhile, Nikki is more Cena's type as she has a passion for wrestling and enjoys a sophisticated lifestyle.
Despite his stance he'd never marry again, Cena proposed to Nikki in a moment captured on live TV.
2 Downgraded - Gavin Rossdale: No Doubt The Nanny Is No Gwen
Gwen Stefani and Gavin Rossdale were one of music's hottest couple. The blonde No Doubt beauty and the British singer heated up the screen wherever they went. After nearly a decade of dating, they married in 2002. Yet, their days of making beautiful music together came to an end in 2015 when Stefani filed for divorce.
The reason for their split was Gavin's alleged affair with their nanny, Mindy Mann. Rumors of an affair began when the duo was spotted out with the kids, and Gavin appeared to have his hand on Mindy's butt. Upon learning of the affair, Gwen kicked her cheating husband to the curb.
As evidenced by these pictures it appears Gavin has a thing for blondes. Yet, his relationship with the nanny didn't last long, guess he figured out that Mindy wasn't no Gwen.
1 Upgraded - Brad Pitt: Formed A Family With Angelina
One of the biggest cheating scandals to hit Hollywood came in 2005 when Brad Pitt divorced Jennifer Aniston to be with his Mr. & Mrs. Smith co-star Angelina Jolie. The public was shocked that Pitt would dump his beautiful wife for Angelina. Jolie was a gorgeous woman, yet she and Pitt didn't look compatible.
Yet, the two soon proved why they were a power couple. Pitt quickly adapted in the role of father to Angelina's two adopted children. The couple would later add to their family by adopting another child and having three of their own. When the couple wasn't busy spending time with their kids or making movies, they traveled the world raising money for a variety of charities.
After nearly a decade together, the couple married in 2014. However, two years later the couple divorced and since then has been embroiled in a legal battle over custody of their children.