Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · October 1, 2025 · Entertainment

Nicole Kidman's Custody Battle: The Heartbreak of a Mother's Strained Bond with Her Eldest

The Australian star, 58, shares Connor, 30, and Bella, 32, with her ex-husband, with the pair adopting them in the early nineties. Tom and Nicole pictured with their children in 1996

The Bitter Divorce of Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban: A Scandalous Split

In a shocking turn of events, Hollywood's golden couple Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban have announced their divorce after 19 years of marriage. The news has left fans reeling, but what really went down behind closed doors? Insiders claim that Scientology played a major role in the demise of their relationship.

The Kidman Kids: A Family Divided

Nicole Kidman has always been close with her children - so perhaps few would have been surprised to see that she will become the primary residential parent of her daughters Sunday Rose, 17, and Faith Margaret, 14, amid her divorce from Keith Urban. The exes pictured with their daughters in 2017

Nicole's adopted children with ex-husband Tom Cruise, Connor and Bella, have been at the center of controversy for years. The kids are both committed Scientologists, just like their father, which led to a reported rift between Nicole and her eldest children. Connor and Bella have denied any tension, but sources close to the family claim that Scientology is the root of the problem.

In an explosive revelation, Leah Remini's memoir "Troublemaker: Surviving Hollywood and Scientology" exposed that Nicole was labeled a "suppressive person" or "SP" by the church after leaving. This led to a chilling effect on her relationship with Connor and Bella, who were allegedly brainwashed into disowning their mother.

Nicole Speaks Out

Elsewhere, the document specifies that Nicole and Keith will make major decisions regarding their daughters together, including educational and extracurricular activities. The former couple share daughters Sunday Rose, 17, and Faith Margaret, 14 - seen second and third left in 2024

In a rare interview, Nicole opened up about her family dynamics, saying that she has an "unconditional love" for her children. However, sources claim that she's been absent from many of their life events, including Bella's wedding in 2015. Nicole told Who magazine, "They are adults. They are able to make their own decisions. They have made choices to be Scientologists and as a mother, it’s my job to love them."

But what about Connor and Bella's alleged disconnection from their mother? Insiders claim that Scientology taught the kids to hate their mother and love their father instead. Nicole has refused to comment on the topic, but sources say she's been devastated by her children's choices.

The Divorce: A Bitter Battle

Despite the divorce, both stars will still 'provide a loving, stable, consistent and nurturing relationship with the children.' Keith and Nicole pictured in 2017

Now, in a surprising twist, Nicole is set to become the primary residential parent of her daughters Sunday Rose and Faith Margaret with ex-husband Keith Urban. The news comes after a tumultuous marriage marked by infidelity rumors and public feuds. Insiders claim that Keith has moved on with a younger woman in the music industry.

The divorce papers reveal an unusual parenting plan, where Nicole will have 306 days of custody while Keith gets just 59. They'll share major decisions regarding their daughters' education and extracurricular activities, but both parties will waive child support.

A Family Torn Apart

Scientology appears to be the root of much of the divide in the family, with Tom allegedly banning Nicole from Connor's 2019 wedding to another high-ranking scientologist. Tom and Connor pictured in 2012

As the drama unfolds, it's clear that Scientology played a significant role in the demise of Nicole Kidman's relationships with her children. But what about Keith Urban? Insiders claim that he's been distant from the family for months, citing his busy touring schedule as an excuse.

The question on everyone's mind is: what's next for this Hollywood power couple? Will they reconcile or will their divorce be a new chapter in their lives?

Stay Tuned for More Updates

Speaking to the Daily Mail in 2016, Bella (pictured in 2021) had also said: 'Of course [we talk], they're my parents,' she says. 'Anyone who says otherwise is full of s**t'

As we continue to follow this juicy scandal, we'll bring you the latest updates and insider information. Stay tuned for more on the drama surrounding Nicole Kidman, Keith Urban, and their family.

A Timeline of the Drama:

  • 2001: Nicole Kidman divorces Tom Cruise after a tumultuous marriage marked by Scientology controversies.
  • 2015: Bella gets married in London without her mother's presence.
  • 2018: Nicole opens up about her children's choices to be Scientologists and their disconnection from her.
  • 2022: Nicole files for divorce from Keith Urban citing irreconcilable differences.

The last photo of Nicole in public with her two oldest children was taken in March 2007 at the Kids' Choice Awards in LA

Stay tuned for more on this scandalous split!