The Shocking Secrets Unveiled: Inside Joe Jonas and Sophie Turner's Intense Divorce and Custody Battle

VALERIE MACON/AFP via Getty Images

Joe Jonas and Sophie Turner‘s divorce came as a shock to fans — and things quickly turned messy.

Jonas and Turner tied the knot for four years until their split was revealed in September 2023. Their first child, Willa, was born in 2020, and they also have a second daughter whose name is not publicly disclosed but referred to as D.J. in Jonas' divorce documents.

Initially, they stated together that their separation was a mutual and amicable decision. However, Turner later took legal action against Jonas, claiming that he unlawfully held their children in the United States. In response, Jonas' representative issued a detailed statement to We, denying Turner's unfortunate accusations concerning the children's living situation.

The statement argued that using terms like "abduction" was misleading or even an abuse of the legal system. It clarified that the children were not abducted but had been under Joe's care with the agreement of both parties. The statement alleged that Sophie was making the claim to shift the divorce proceedings to the U.K. and permanently remove the children from the U.S.

The representative stated that Jonas had already rejected any statements made on his behalf that were disparaging towards Sophie before her lawsuit was filed in September 2023. It expressed Jonas' desire for Sophie to reconsider her aggressive legal stance and seek a more positive and private approach. The well-being of his children was identified as his sole concern.

Scroll down for everything to know about Jonas and Turner’s divorce and custody battle:

Joe’s Initial Filing and Statement

Jonas filed for divorce on September 5, stating that their marriage was irreparably damaged. He believed it was best for their children to have shared parental responsibility. The couple released a joint statement on social media the next day, urging respect for their privacy and emphasizing that the decision was mutual.

What Went Wrong?

Per a source familiar with the situation, close acquaintances were able to discern a "disconnect" between Jonas and Turner for quite some time. The insider revealed that Jonas had concealed the extent of their problems, and their marital struggles had been ongoing for a longer duration than they had publicly acknowledged. This information was disclosed to Us on September 6.

Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images

According to another insider, the strain in Joe and Sophie's relationship stemmed from their hectic schedules, which had been causing tension to build up. The source added that their communication appeared more forced and the once vibrant spark between them seemed to fade away.

‘The Tour’ Continues

Following the news of his split, Jonas Brothers member Jonas remained committed to the band and addressed his tumultuous week during a concert in California on September 9. Expressing gratitude for the love and support, he conveyed a heartfelt message to fans. "I and my family truly appreciate all of you," he expressed. "I want to emphasize that unless you hear it from me personally, please refrain from believing any other information. Is that clear?"

Throughout The Tour, Jonas exhibited strong emotions while performing his heartfelt ballads "Hesitate," referred to as his personal "vows" to Turner, and "Little Bird," a moving composition by the brothers reflecting on the experience of fatherhood.

Sophie Steps Out

After wrapping up filming for the show Joan in the U.K., Turner was seen enjoying several girls nights out in New York City. On September 19, she was spotted in Manhattan's West Village, accompanied by Taylor Swift, one of Jonas' exes. The following night, she ventured out with her friends for a relaxed and casual evening.

The Custody Battle Begins

Turner filed a lawsuit against Jonas on September 21, alleging that he had wrongfully detained their daughters in the United States, despite previously agreeing to make England their permanent residence in December 2022. Turner's filing stated that she reluctantly agreed to let Jonas take the children with him on tour while she worked overseas, emphasizing that it was only meant to be a temporary arrangement.

Andrew Toth/Getty Images for Republic Records

Turner accused Jonas of withholding the children's passports, preventing them from visiting her in the U.K. She also stated that she discovered Jonas' divorce filing through the media. In response, Jonas' representative issued a detailed statement to Us on September 21, asserting that Turner's allegations are misleading and that Turner was already informed of Jonas' intention to divorce.

The content fragment can be rewritten as follows:

Citing a previously issued order from the Florida Court that prohibits both parents from relocating the children, the statement declared that the order was officially delivered on September 6. (It is worth noting that Jonas initiated divorce proceedings in Miami.)

According to the representative, Jonas and Turner convened for a friendly meeting on September 17. "Since that meeting, they have been in her custody," the statement elaborated. "During the meeting, Joe perceived that they had come to an understanding to collaborate in establishing an amicable co-parenting arrangement." However, less than 24 hours later, Sophie expressed her desire to permanently take the children to the U.K.

Jonas cannot comply with Turner's lawsuit, as it would mean violating the Florida Court order. The lawsuit demands that Turner is granted the children's passports. According to a statement, Jonas is seeking shared parenting with the children, ensuring that they are raised by both their mother and father. He is also fine with the children being raised both in the U.S. and the UK. The statement further argues that the children were born in the U.S. and have primarily lived there, making them American citizens.

A Trial Is Coming

On October 3, a judge decided that the custody dispute between Jonas and Turner would be examined in a trial commencing on January 2, 2024. It was confirmed by Us that this case would take place in Manhattan due to its status as a federal international custody matter. Turner, however, is requesting a transfer of the trial to a court in the United Kingdom, whereas Jonas is opposed to this and wishes to retain the trial within the United States.

Additionally, the judge ordered that Turner and Jonas' daughters would remain in New York temporarily until a resolution regarding custody is reached.

In this article

Joe Jonas

Sophie Turner