Sylvester Stallone claims that his marriage to Jennifer Flavin ‘didn’t end’ because of a dog.
The 76-year-old actor, who has been married to the former model for 25 years, finally addressed the reason for their split after Flavin, 54, filed for divorce last week.
According to earlier reports, Stallone had recently purchased a pet rottweiler called Dwight which had triggered arguments between the couple.
However, speaking to TMZ, the Rocky star revealed that his new pet wasn’t the reason that they decided to part ways.
“We did not end the relationship on such a trivial argument,” he told the publication.
Stallone continued: “We just went in different directions. I have the highest respect for Jennifer.
“I will always love her. She’s an amazing woman. She’s the nicest human being I’ve ever met,” he added.
Stallone and Flavin married in London in1997 and share three daughters; Sophia, 25, Sistine, 24, and Scarlet, 20.
Following weeks of speculation that the couple’s marriage was in trouble, Flavin is understood to have filed divorce papers in Florida last Friday.
According to divorce papers obtained by TMZ, Flavin claimed that Stallone had been ‘moving assets’ from their marital funds. The documents read: “Upon information and belief, the Husband has engaged in the intentional dissipation, depletion and/or waste of marital assets which has had an adverse economic impact on the marital estate.”
A representative for Stallone has been approached by the Evening Standard for further comment.
News of the couple’s divorce also came shortly after Stallone covered up a tattoo of Flavin on his bicep with an image of his late dog, Butkus. The Rambo actor claimed that he was actually trying to freshen up the design on his arm but it went wrong. As a result, he decided to cover up the tattoo completely with an image of his dog.
Flavin has also spoken out about her divorce, telling People that the couple remains committed to their daughters.
“I’m sad to announce that after 25 years of marriage I have filed for divorce from my husband Sylvester Stallone. While we will no longer be married, I will always cherish the more than 30-year relationship that we shared, and I know we are both committed to our beautiful daughters,” she told the publication.
