The life of a public figure, particularly a comedian, often comes with a heightened scrutiny of personal choices. For Ali Wong, divorce became a pivotal moment not of sadness, but of transformation and empowerment. While many expected her split from Justin
Hakuta to mirror the common narrative of heartbreak, Wong’s journey post-divorce tells a completely different story. Instead of dwelling on the ending of her marriage, she has chosen to embrace the new beginnings that divorce brought into her life. This transition has been filled with adventures, personal growth, and a newfound friendship with her ex-husband.
In a world where divorce is often stigmatized as a symbol of failure, Ali Wong has been vocal about how it has opened doors to a beautiful new chapter. Her perspective serves as a refreshing reminder that divorce can, in fact, be the beginning of something entirely positive. But why did Ali Wong divorce Justin Hakuta, and how has she emerged stronger on the other side?
The Story Behind Ali Wong’s Divorce
Ali Wong filed for divorce from her ex-husband, Justin Hakuta, in December 2023, marking the official end of their relationship. The announcement came more than a year after the couple had initially separated. For many fans, the news was a surprise, as the couple had often been seen as a loving, supportive partnership. Wong and Hakuta had married in 2014 after meeting at a friend’s wedding, and together they had two daughters, Mari and Nikki.
The comedian’s career skyrocketed during the course of their marriage, with her Netflix specials like Baby Cobra and Hard Knock Wife earning her a devoted following. Many admired Wong for her raw humor and honest discussions about marriage, motherhood, and womanhood. Her comedic persona didn’t shy away from the imperfections of life, often turning her experiences into sharp, witty observations that resonated with her audience.
However, as Wong’s career soared, it seems that the couple’s relationship began to shift. In her own words, divorce wasn’t an ending; it was a transition. Speaking on Today with Hoda and Jenna in October 2024, Wong shared that her decision to end the marriage was not made out of sadness, but out of the recognition that it was time to move on. “With divorce, it’s the same thing where people look at it like this sad ending and that’s just not been the case for me,” she said. “It’s been this beautiful beginning to many new adventures.”
Friendship After Divorce: Ali Wong and Justin Hakuta’s New Dynamic
One of the most remarkable aspects of Ali Wong’s post-divorce life has been her ability to maintain a close and amicable relationship with her ex-husband. While many divorces are characterized by bitterness or estrangement, Wong and Hakuta have found a way to remain in each other’s lives in a positive and meaningful way.
Wong has always had a unique outlook on relationships, and she admits that this approach has helped her maintain friendships with several of her exes. “I’m friends with exes from my 20s in college,” she said during the same interview. She believes that every relationship offers valuable lessons, whether it works out or not. This philosophy has allowed her to navigate her relationship with Hakuta post-divorce with grace and gratitude.
The couple’s shared history and the fact that they are co-parents to two children undoubtedly played a role in their decision to stay friends. Their daughters, Mari and Nikki, remain a central focus in both their lives. “There’s value in every relationship,” Wong said. “You learn something new from every person about what you like and what you don’t like.”
The Adventure of Rebuilding: Ali Wong’s Personal Growth
Divorce can often feel like a destructive force, tearing apart the fabric of one’s life. However, for Ali Wong, it has been quite the opposite. Her post-divorce life has been filled with new experiences, opportunities, and a sense of freedom that has allowed her to continue growing both personally and professionally. “It’s been this beautiful beginning to many new adventures,” she said, reflecting on her journey.
One of these adventures has been Wong’s ability to rediscover her sense of independence. Throughout her marriage, she had a strong support system in Hakuta, which she openly acknowledged during her Golden Globe speech in 2024. “I really need to thank the father of my children and my best friend, Justin, for all of your love and support,” she said during her acceptance speech. But now, Wong has embraced the idea of standing on her own two feet while still cherishing the support that Hakuta continues to offer.
Another significant part of Wong’s post-divorce journey has been her romantic life. After her separation from Hakuta, Wong briefly dated actor and comedian Bill Hader in 2022. The two later reconnected in 2023 and have been together since, with Wong finding love again after her marriage ended. This new relationship, while exciting, doesn’t overshadow the fact that Wong has continued to prioritize her personal growth and her relationship with her children and Hakuta.
Redefining Divorce in the Public Eye
Ali Wong’s candid approach to her divorce has resonated with many. In a world where divorce is often painted as a failure or a tragic event, Wong has reframed it as a transformative experience that can lead to growth and self-discovery. Her story challenges societal norms that view the end of a marriage as the end of happiness.
Wong’s narrative is particularly impactful because it acknowledges the complexity of human relationships. She doesn’t sugarcoat the difficult moments or pretend that everything was perfect, but she also refuses to dwell on the negative aspects of her marriage. Instead, she chooses to focus on the good times and the lessons learned.
“I think because my siblings all went through multiple serious relationships before they got married, I kind of always knew to not take it too too seriously,” she said. This pragmatic approach to relationships has allowed Wong to move forward with a positive outlook and maintain a sense of gratitude for the time she spent with Hakuta.
Conclusion: Embracing New Beginnings
Ali Wong’s journey through divorce offers a powerful reminder that endings are not always tragic. Sometimes, they are the necessary precursors to beautiful new beginnings. In choosing to view her divorce as an opportunity for growth and adventure, Wong has not only transformed her own life but also redefined what it means to end a marriage. Her story encourages others to approach life’s transitions with curiosity, gratitude, and an open heart.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Why did Ali Wong divorce Justin Hakuta?
Ali Wong’s decision to divorce Justin Hakuta was rooted in the recognition that their relationship had run its course. Rather than viewing it as a sad ending, Wong has described it as a transition into a new chapter of her life. The two remain close friends and continue to co-parent their two daughters.
2. How has Ali Wong’s life changed after the divorce?
Since her divorce, Ali Wong has embraced many new adventures, including a renewed sense of independence and a deeper friendship with her ex-husband. She has also found love again with actor Bill Hader and continues to thrive in her career.
3. Are Ali Wong and Justin Hakuta still friends?
Yes, Ali Wong and Justin Hakuta have maintained a close friendship after their divorce. Wong has shared that they co-parent their children and remain an important part of each other’s lives.
4. How does Ali Wong view divorce?
Ali Wong views divorce as a new beginning rather than a sad ending. She believes that every relationship teaches valuable lessons, and her divorce has allowed her to grow and embark on new adventures.
5. Did Ali Wong’s career influence her decision to divorce?
While Wong’s career flourished during her marriage, it doesn’t appear to have been a direct factor in her decision to divorce. However, she has acknowledged that her professional success and personal growth have been key components of her journey post-divorce.