Elle Macpherson and Jeffrey Soffer called it quits after nearly four years of marriage in June, and now it’s claimed the duo were never actually married.
According to Page Six, the couple’s marriage may not technically have been legal since they wed in Fiji.
In fact, an insider tells the publication that the top real estate developer has been bragging to friends about the alleged loophole.
Elle, 53, and Jeff, 47, reportedly tied the knot in an intimate ceremony in front of just 15 family members and friends in 2013. It’s understood the guest list included the supermodel’s two teenage sons and the billionaire’s dad, Donald Soffer, but the former couple have managed to keep any further details under wraps.
Fiji’s tourism site states that “weddings in Fiji are recognised as legal worldwide,” but the Fiji embassy in Washington, DC, explains that “overseas visitors intending to get married in Fiji are required by law to obtain and sign a marriage license of their choice from a nearest marriage registry prior to the marriage ceremony” as well as providing a handful of other important documents.
What’s more, the publication claims there’s no record of a Soffer-Macpherson divorce in Florida — but there is documentation on file from Jeff’s previous marriage.
Cue dramatic music…
The former couple, who wed in 2013, are yet to speak publicly about the rumours.
The supermodel reportedly walked out on Jeff in the wake of rumours he had secretly been wooing other women.
Shortly after their split made headlines, a friend told Woman’s Day the Aussie-native’s problems with Jeff were no secret among their social circles. Of course, they also separated several times in the five years before their July 2013 wedding.
“Elle is relieved they’re divorcing – the truth is they’ve been leading virtually separate lives for months,” the source said, adding that Jeffrey’s “roving eye” had long been an issue.
“Jeffrey has a fearsome temper and there was only so much Elle could take. The atmosphere at home had become toxic.”
“Elle moved out two weeks ago, but really their problems go back two years,” the insider said. “Elle was convinced Jeff was seeing other women behind her back. He was always working late and going out – who knows where – while she was home with the boys.
In addition to rumours of Jeffrey’s skirt-chasing, those close to Elle said the pair’s unsuccessful attempts to fall pregnant in the early stages of their marriage also put strain on the union.
In fact, as reported exclusively by Woman’s Day at the time, the pair found a suitable surrogate, but were heartbroken when she had a change of heart.
The former couple are yet to publicly address the divorce reports.
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