When it comes to celebrity divorces, the news often highlights drama, heartbreak, and bitter custody battles. However, Ali Wong and her ex-husband Justin Hakuta’s relationship post-divorce paints a much different picture. Their story is one of love, respect, and a deep friendship that has endured beyond the dissolution of their marriage.
Ali Wong, a celebrated comedian and actress, and Justin Hakuta, a Harvard Business School graduate and businessman, were married for nearly a decade before their split. They announced their separation in 2022, and their divorce was finalized in May 2024. Despite parting ways as a couple, Wong and Hakuta have maintained a close and amicable relationship, co-parenting their two daughters and continuing to support each other personally and professionally.
A Chance Meeting and A Beautiful Beginning
Ali Wong first met Justin Hakuta at a friend’s wedding reception in 2010. At the time, Hakuta was attending Harvard Business School, and Wong was instantly impressed by his intelligence and charm. They began dating shortly after, and by 2014, the couple tied the knot in a private ceremony in San Francisco.
In her stand-up specials, Wong has often joked about her relationship with Hakuta. One of her most famous bits involves her quipping about how she “trapped” Hakuta, a Harvard graduate, into marrying her. Though the jokes were often hilarious, they were also filled with love and respect for the man she had chosen as her life partner.
Wong’s career skyrocketed after her Netflix specials, “Baby Cobra” and “Hard Knock Wife,” which she performed while pregnant with her daughters. Throughout this time, Hakuta was by her side, supporting her as she navigated the complexities of fame, motherhood, and a demanding career.
The End of Their Marriage, The Beginning of Friendship
In April 2022, Ali Wong and Justin Hakuta announced their separation after eight years of marriage. Despite the split, they assured the public that their breakup was amicable and that they would continue to co-parent their daughters, Mari and Nikki, who were born in 2015 and 2017, respectively.
Though their divorce was finalized in May 2024, Wong and Hakuta have remained incredibly close. During her appearance on Today with Hoda and Jenna in October 2024, Wong discussed her unconventional approach to divorce. She explained how the end of their marriage wasn’t a sad conclusion but rather a new chapter filled with possibilities, including the strengthening of her friendship with Hakuta.
She told the hosts, “With divorce, people look at it like this sad ending, and that’s just not been the case for me. It’s been this beautiful beginning to many new adventures, and one being—sincerely—the friendship with the father of my children.”
Justin Hakuta: More Than Just “Ali Wong’s Ex-Husband”
While Ali Wong’s fame has often overshadowed Justin Hakuta, he has an impressive resume in his own right. Hakuta graduated from Carnegie Mellon University with a degree in decision science and later earned his MBA from Harvard Business School. He is also a Fulbright scholar who conducted fieldwork on NGOs combating human trafficking in the Philippines.
Hakuta is the son of Ken Hakuta, a Japanese-American inventor and television personality, best known for creating the Wacky Wall Walker toy and hosting The Dr. Fad Show, a children’s invention program in the late 1980s and early 1990s.
Over the years, Hakuta has remained a consistent presence in Wong’s stand-up routines. While she often pokes fun at their relationship and the prenuptial agreement his parents had her sign, there is a clear affection in the way she speaks about him. Their bond has always been about more than just marriage—it’s been about mutual respect and shared experiences.
Co-Parenting with Love and Respect
Wong and Hakuta’s two daughters, Mari and Nikki, have been the center of their co-parenting journey. After filing for divorce, Hakuta sought joint legal and physical custody of the children, and the former couple has worked together to provide a stable and loving environment for them.
In January 2024, a month after officially filing for divorce, Wong attended the Golden Globe Awards, where she won Best Actress in a Limited Series for her role in Netflix’s Beef. While she attended the event with her boyfriend, actor Bill Hader, Wong made a point to thank Hakuta during her acceptance speech.
“I really need to thank the father of my children and my best friend, Justin, for all of your love and support. It’s because of you that I’m able to be a working mother,” she said, a sentiment that was met with applause and appreciation from the audience.
This public show of gratitude reflected the depth of their bond, even after their romantic relationship had ended. Hakuta, for his part, has remained out of the public eye but continues to play an active role in their children’s lives.
Ali Wong’s New Chapter with Bill Hader
Since her split from Hakuta, Ali Wong has found love again with actor Bill Hader. The couple briefly dated in 2022 but rekindled their relationship in April 2023, a year after Wong separated from Hakuta. While Wong and Hader’s relationship has made headlines, her friendship with Hakuta has remained a constant source of stability and support.
In interviews, Wong has often expressed her gratitude for the men in her life and her commitment to keeping things peaceful and respectful. “I like to keep it peaceful and grateful and amicable,” she said in an interview with Entertainment Tonight. This mature and grounded approach to relationships has earned Wong admiration from fans and colleagues alike.
Conclusion
Ali Wong and Justin Hakuta’s relationship is a testament to the fact that not all divorces have to end in bitterness. Their story reflects the power of mutual respect, love, and the desire to keep things positive for their children. While their marriage may have ended, their bond has only grown stronger as friends and co-parents. Their ability to navigate the complexities of life, love, and family is a beautiful example of how relationships can evolve in ways that are both surprising and heartwarming.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why did Ali Wong and Justin Hakuta get divorced?
Ali Wong and Justin Hakuta announced their separation in April 2022 after eight years of marriage. The split was amicable, and they both emphasized their commitment to co-parenting their daughters lovingly.
2. Are Ali Wong and Justin Hakuta still friends?
Yes, Ali Wong and Justin Hakuta have maintained a close friendship since their divorce. Wong has publicly spoken about how their relationship has evolved into a strong friendship, and they continue to co-parent their children together.
3. Who are Ali Wong and Justin Hakuta’s children?
Ali Wong and Justin Hakuta have two daughters, Mari, born in 2015, and Nikki, born in 2017. They share joint custody of their children and are committed to providing a loving and supportive environment for them.
4. What is Justin Hakuta’s background?
Justin Hakuta is a Harvard Business School graduate and a Fulbright scholar. He studied decision science at Carnegie Mellon University and conducted fieldwork in the Philippines on NGOs combating human trafficking. He is also the son of famous TV inventor Ken Hakuta.
5. Who is Ali Wong dating now?
Ali Wong is currently in a relationship with actor Bill Hader. The two briefly dated in 2022 but reconnected in 2023, a year after Wong separated from Justin Hakuta.