Top 10 celebrity break-ups in 2009

Editor's Notes: Their true love lives seem to draw more attention than the characters they play on the silver screen. With every kiss, quarrel, make-up or break-up played out for all to see, it is no wonder modern celebrities have a trouble finding Mr or Ms Right. Here we take a look at the top ten celebrity break-ups of 2009.

1.Sean Penn and Robin Wright Penn

Two-time Oscar winner, Sean Penn and his gorgeous wife, Robin Wright Penn separated—for the second time! The on-again-off-again couple, who have been married for 11 years, officially announced their split via press release in August, 2009. This is the second time the couple has filed for legal separation (Robin had previously filed papers in Decmeber 2007). “Marriage ain’t easy,” Penn once said, “but it’s great most of the time.”

2. Avril Lavigne and Deryck Whibley

In mid-October 2009, Avril handed into court documents with the stating the reason foe ending her marriage was "irreconcilable differences," with no requirement for spouse alimony, and no requirements to pay Deryck Whibley. Avril Lavigne, 25 years old, and Sum 41 singer/guitarist Deryck Whibley decided to divorce after having been married for three years. The two confirmed they had split in September and issued separate statements about it, saying they would stay friends. The couple married in July 2006 and had no children together.

3. Jennifer Aniston and John Mayer

Actress Jennifer Aniston and singer John Mayer pose at the 2009 Vanity Fair Oscar Party in West Hollywood, California February 22, 2009. [Agencies]

Actress Jennifer Aniston and singer John Mayer pose at the 2009 Vanity Fair Oscar Party in West Hollywood, California February 22, 2009. [Agencies]

In March 2009, former "Friends" star Jennifer Aniston, 40, and singer-songwriter Mayer, 31 ended their relationship for a second time, weeks after a high-profile date at the Oscars ceremony fuelled rumors of marriage. According to People Magazine in the US, a source said: "They had some disagreements and decided to not continue to see each other." Her 2006 divorce to Brad Pitt after four years of marriage was the subject of mountains of newsprint, notably after rumors surfaced of infidelity between Pitt and his new lover, actress Angelina Jolie.

Janet Jackson and music producer Jermaine Dupri called it quits after seven years due to “mixing business with pleasure”.

“His friends are telling people it’s over,” according to an Us Weekly report in last July. Dupri, who was noticeably absent from Michael Jackson’s memorial on July 7, produced several of Janet Jackson’s recent tracks on her last two albums — which could have contributed to the split, according to the mag. Jackson was previously married to Rene Elizondo. They divorced in 2000.

5. Reese Witherspoon and Jake Gyllenhaal

Reese Witherspoon, 33, and Jake Gyllenhaal, 28, costarred in the 2007 movie Rendition, after which rumors started flying about them as an off-screen couple. It was reported Witherspoon and Jake have split November 2009, according to a report from people.com, no further details were given.

6. Rihanna and Chris Brown

The pop star Rihanna split from Chris Brown in February after he assaulted her in a vicious fight that landed him with a community service order and five years probation.

The "Umbrella" hit-maker returned to the spotlight in November, finally speaking out about how her life has changed since the altercation.

Chris Brown has acknowledged that his attack on ex-girlfriend Rihanna has damaged her for life. "I can see what damage it does, mentally, more than physical... I was wrong for what I did. And I would definitely say that it's not something that I look past or look over," Contactmusic quoted Brown as saying on a U.S. news show.

7. Lindsay Lohan and Samantha Ronson

In this Sept. 6, 2008 file photo, actress Lindsay Lohan and Samantha Ronson, left, attend the Charlotte Ronson 2009 Spring Collection in Bryant Park during Fashion Week in New York. [Agencies]

Lindsay Lohan confirmed on April 6 that she and DJ Samantha Ronson had broken up. The couple had started dating about a year ago and had constantly been plagued with rumors of splits and fights.

Lindsay insisted the break-up was for the best, as she was ready to get her career back on track - and keep her personal life out of the press. Lohan seems to hold hope that the split won't be permanent.

In an interview with U.S. TV host Ellen DeGeneres she said "I really care about Samantha and we’ll see what happens," confesses the actress. "Maybe when we’re fully in the right place… and I love her."

8.Mel Gibson and Robyn

Mel Gibson's wife Robyn filed for divorce after 28 years of marriage. In the papers -- signed Apr. 9 -- she cited "irreconcilable differences." Robyn -- who split from Gibson nearly three years earlier around the time of his infamous DUI arrest -- lists the date of separation as "to be determined."

Robyn, who has seven children with Gibson, had requested spousal support and attorneys' fees. The actor welcomed a baby daughter, his first child with girlfriend Oksana Grigorieva Last November.

9. Susan Sarandon, Tim Robbins split after 23 years

Susan Sarandon and Tim Robbins, partners for 23 years and parents of two sons, split up in the summer of 2009, publicist Teal Cannady said in a statement December 23, 2009.

Sarandon, 63, and Robbins, 51, met while shooting the 1988 film "Bull Durham." He played a hotshot pitcher, she was the passionate fan who simultaneously seduced him and prepared him for the big leagues.

Sarandon and Robbins never married. Instead, they have been compared to other longtime Hollywood pairs who remain committed despite never officially tying the knot, such as Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell.

10. Brody Jenner and Jayde Nicole

The Hills Brody Jenner and 2008 Playboy Playmate of the Year Jayde Nicole broke up after about 15 months together, according to a source close to Brody.

Nicole, 23, hinted at the split on her Twitter around 8pm Dec. 18 with a wistful entry: "'Sometimes when you truly love someone you have to let them go.....I never really understood that quote until now." The night before, however, the former Playboy Playmate was feeling festive. A source said that Nicole "celebrated her breakup" with a 12-strong crew of girlfriends at Hyde Lounge in West Hollywood.

taken from : China Daily