Tori Spelling has officially filed for divorce from Dean McDermott, bringing an end to their 18-year marriage. While the couple’s challenges were apparent for some time, a poignant question from their youngest daughter ultimately solidified Spelling’s decision to move forward independently.
During a recent episode of her podcast, “misSPELLING,” Tori revealed that it was her 13-year-old daughter, Hattie, who prompted this crucial shift. The girl asked, “Have you ever considered what it would be like to be with someone else and not Dad and get treated right?” This simple yet profound query forced Spelling to confront the reality of their relationship’s dynamics.
“It got to the point where it was worse for the kids to see us together,” Spelling confessed. “We could no longer hide what was happening, the fights.”
The situation had become increasingly untenable, particularly as McDermott battled addiction and the resulting behaviors were visibly impacting their children.
“He was an addict going through a lot, and a lot of it was taken out on me. And she saw that,” Spelling explained.
She admitted to staying in the marriage longer than she should have, driven by a desire to provide her children with the idealized image of having both parents together.
“On my part, at least, the want of kids, just always wanting their parents together, I think kept me from making what was outwardly a better decision for them than what they saw between two partners,” she stated.
“That kept me in the relationship far too long, and it ultimately, I feel, did a disservice to my kids.”
Spelling and McDermott share five children: Beau (8), Finn (12), Hattie (13), Stella (16), and Liam (18). The divorce filing occurred on March 29, 2024, with the couple having separated on June 17, 2023. Spelling is seeking spousal support and full custody of their children, alongside joint legal custody arrangements.
McDermott initially announced their separation via Instagram in June 2023, a post he later removed. He has since publicly acknowledged his role in the relationship’s demise, attributing it to his struggles with addiction. Speaking to the Daily Mail, McDermott expressed deep regret and accountability for the pain he inflicted on Spelling.
“All Tori’s ever done to this day is want me to be happy and healthy, and I inflicted a lot of damage and pain on that woman,”
he admitted.
He described a cycle of dependency involving alcohol and prescription medication, leading to isolation and destructive behavior. At times, he confessed to consuming a fifth of tequila nightly, accompanied by multiple prescription drugs. This pattern resulted in outbursts of anger, leaving Spelling and the children “petrified,” as well as instances where Spelling had to ensure he was still alive after he passed out.
McDermott recently celebrated one year of sobriety in July 2024, marking a significant step towards personal healing and accountability.
