Elizabeth Gutiérrez and William Levy were in a romantic relationship for 20 years. A relationship that resulted in two beloved children: son Christopher in 2006 and daughter Kailey in 2010. Their relationship has made many scandalous headlines involving rumored infidelity and the supposed on-again, off-again status of their couplehood. But rumors are rumors until they are confirmed and now Elizabeth, who is usually extremely private, has tearfully confirmed that she and William are no longer together.
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In a candid and emotional interview with Hola!, Elizabeth opened up about her recent breakup with William. I have to say that I was shocked by the intrusiveness of some of the questions she was asked. But I was impressed by how she handled those questions. I was also touched by her willingness to share her heartbreak and what it’s like to be a mother going through a breakup while rebuilding her professional life. I think it’s relatable to so many women. Check out what she had to say.
She and William met in 2002.
They both participated in the 2002 reality show Protagonistas de telenovela and fell in love. For 20 years, they remained romantically involved. In that time, they never got married, they had two kids, they dealt with ups and downs, and had some breakups and reconciliations now and then.
“I always bet on my relationship. I loved William, I think it's no secret that he was the love of my life.” – Elizabeth Gutiérrez
Her response when asked point blank about the status of her relationship with William leaves no room for doubt.
“Currently, we are not together. I think that, for my part, it was not for lack of love, I just think that I am not the same girl from 20 years ago that he knew,” Elizabeth revealed to Hola! during her interview.
But why?
“I mean, what we want at this moment I think is different. I will always love him, I will always wish him the best and as I have always said, whether he is with me or not, I want to see him happy,” she continued.
When asked if this time around the split would stick, she had an diplomatic answer.
“I am not the one who decides…I am letting God write my story as I have always let Him write my story,” she said. “I truly feel like at this moment I am in the middle of the ocean and I am surviving.”
They've been separated for a couple of months.
When asked how long she and William have been separated, she said that it’s been a couple of months, which puts into perspective how fresh the heartbreak is, especially after being together for so many years.
And how are their children handling the separation?
“My children are at peace, because obviously, William is an excellent father and they do not lack for love, so they are fine and they will be fine. Obviously, it was not ideal, I think for any of us, but things happen and you have to move on,” the Mexican American actress shared.
When the questions got a little too personal, Elizabeth responded elegantly.
“I really don't want to…I prefer not to go into details of how we're handling, what happened. I really think that part only corresponds to us,” she replied. I say that she responded elegantly because she could have easily told the interviewer to mind their own business in a less elegant way.
How did she handle all the rumors in the media about her relationship?
“I tried to focus on what I had at home. I tried not to let anything that was said affect me, I can't blame someone for something I haven’t witnessed or experienced,” she explained. “So, the press often invents things.” Ain't that the truth?!
“I know what was true, what was not true, because only I know what I experienced. Nobody has to tell me. So, I never paid attention to what the press said. As I told you, my decisions have always been based on what I have experienced, not on what others say about him or me,” she continued.
Why tell her story now when she’s usually so private?
“I am very private about these things, but before someone else decides to speak about my life on my behalf, I‘d rather sit down and have others hear it from my mouth, what I feel, what I…Sorry,” she said as she broke into tears.
Her story is bound to help many women going through similar situations.
“If I can inspire other women, then I feel honored. If I can help in some way, it's great that I can help, but always from the point of sincerity, which I have always tried to be,” she explained.
The thing is that her story is inspiring whether she means it to be or not. Ending a 20-year relationship is not easy. In many ways it can feel like starting over. Knowing that others are starting over, too, is encouraging. It’s inspiring to see a strong woman creating a new life for herself while being emotionally vulnerable and candid.
And to be clear, she is having quite the comeback professionally.
When asked how she's feeling and how her career is going, she responded:
"I am at peace. I'm definitely getting back into my career, it's definitely my passion. And nothing, I started with the Vagina Monologues, which was a weekend just to warm up and wait and look for new opportunities."
Her future looks bright indeed.
There have always been opportunities, I just don't think I it was the right time to take those opportunities. And although I don't have anything concrete, I know that things will come. I mean, right now I'm a guest on Despierta América doing things, getting back to work."
Feel free to press play to watch Elizabeth's full interview in Spanish with Hola! It definitely took courage for her to sit down and discuss her breakup. Brava!
