Miranda Kerr embodies the epitome of ideal behavior for former couples, especially as a Victoria’s Secret model who candidly reflects on her three-year marriage to Orlando Bloom, with whom she shares a 15-year-old son, Flynn. She candidly shares the more challenging aspects of their romance towards its end and how they chose to mend their relationship amid their co-parenting journey.
“We both knew that the relationship was not bringing out the best in each other,” Miranda shared on the We Need to Talk podcast on Feb. 3. “So when we made the decision to separate, I said to him, ‘Let’s always put the needs of Flynn first.’”
The 42-year-old and Orlando, 49, ended their six-year relationship in 2013 after three years of marriage. As they rebuilt their dynamic as co-parents, they underwent a significant amount of “spiritual work,” which included focusing on forgiveness.
“Forgiving each other,” she added, “forgiving ourselves, creating peace within the situation.” When navigating life after divorce, it was an easy choice for the former couple to “not make it about” themselves but instead prioritize “what’s in the best interest for Flynn.”
“At the same time, let’s make sure that we completely forgive each other,” she continued, “make peace with each other, because otherwise, it really weighs on you.”
Especially because, as the Kora founder noted, “When you have a child with someone else, they’re always going to be that person’s parent for the rest of their life.” That realization made Miranda want to ensure that she and Orlando’s relationship was “harmonious” and “peaceful.”
However, things weren’t always easy. The model said she had difficulty setting boundaries with the Pirates of the Caribbean star until she met her husband Evan Spiegel, with whom she shares kids Hart, 7, Myles, 6, and Pierre, 23 months.
“My husband has good boundaries,” she said. “And in the beginning, when Orlando and I had recently separated, I was just very giving and wanting to please. If Orlando had a last-minute change—and he would say this himself—I would always accommodate him.”
But when Evan came into the picture, the Snapchat founder empowered her to push back and be clear about her boundaries. Miranda told Orlando, “I’m so sorry that your plans changed, but we planned according to this.”
Luckily, she and Lord of the Rings actor are in a good place these days. “Orlando and I are great friends,” she said. “I wished him a happy birthday, and he told me, ‘Thank you for being such a wonderful mother to Flynn.’ And a great friend to him.” She added, “I feel the same way. I said, ‘Thank you for everything that you are and being such a wonderful father to Flynn.’”
