It’s hard to picture a world without Instagram, the go-to platform for everything from flaunting flawless selfies to launching skincare lines. And, of course, announcing divorces. For celebrities, it’s become the preferred stage to update their fan base on their latest life events, whether they’re getting hitched or splitting up. While there may still be a few traditionalists who get their celebrity gossip from newspapers, Instagram has emerged as the most favored — and arguably most entertaining — news source. After all, when your favorite stars are living on Instagram, you’ll want to be there too.
But that’s not the only reason.
Why Instagram is everyone’s divorce announcer of choice
When it comes to announcing life’s major milestones, like a divorce, why bother with a publicist or a press release when you’ve got Instagram? Celebrities seem to have cracked the code on why it’s the ultimate platform for all things dramatic. Here’s why Instagram reigns supreme for announcing a split:
- Built-in audience – No need to send out individual emails or make awkward phone calls. With millions of followers at their fingertips, celebs can deliver the news in one perfectly filtered post. Plus, everyone’s already there, scrolling mindlessly for updates.
- Instant PR – No need for damage control. Celebrities can control the narrative, putting their own spin on their breakups before the tabloids start sniffing around.
- No privacy, no problem – Privacy is so last century. In 2024, everything’s a spectacle, and who doesn’t want front-row seats to the latest high-society drama?
- A little legal flair – Instagram isn’t a courtroom (yet), but making your breakup public could help in shaping public opinion, especially when accusations of wrongdoing are involved. While Washington State divorces are a bit more...civil, it doesn’t hurt to have a fan base rooting for you.
- Petty points – Let’s not kid ourselves. Part of the appeal is the low-key pettiness. A cryptic caption or a “moving on” post that’s clearly aimed at the ex is Instagram gold.
Crowns and catty captions: Why some royals prefer Instagram for sharing announcements
Gone are the days when royal gazettes or society columns were the go-to for announcing life-altering events. Today, even the most refined of the upper crust are skipping the palace press office and heading straight to Instagram to break the news. But why, you ask, would the rich and famous — including royals — choose a social media platform over the traditional pomp and circumstance?
- Direct to the people – Why wait for a formal announcement in a dusty old magazine when you can deliver the news straight to your adoring public in real time? The world’s elite love Instagram because it cuts out the middleman (and the tabloids).
- Royal gazettes are a relic of the past – The days of waiting for a town crier to announce the latest royal scandal are long gone. On Instagram, you can spill the royal tea with a single tap. Bonus points if you throw in a cryptic emoji or hashtag.
- Control the narrative – Whether you’re a billionaire tech mogul or a duchess who’s had enough, Instagram gives the rich and famous control over their own stories. They can paint themselves as the victim, the hero, the sage, or whatever role they prefer.
- Royally pettiness – Nothing screams “I’m over you” quite like a perfectly timed post that subtly (or not so subtly) jabs at the ex. Even royals aren’t above a little Instagram shade.
The Instagram post that shocked Dubai
Here’s a perfect example of a royal divorce announcement.
Dubai’s Sheikha Mahra bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum didn’t bother with lawyers or formal paperwork to announce her divorce — she simply took to Instagram.
With the casualness of ordering takeout, she addressed her soon-to-be ex-husband directly: “Dear Husband, as you are occupied with other companions, I hereby declare our divorce.” And she didn’t stop there. She added: “I divorce you, I divorce you, and I divorce you.” No fuss, no drawn-out legal battle — just three magic words (repeated three times for good measure). Signed off with a sweet, “Take care, your ex-wife.”
Now, while this might fly in Dubai, in Washington State — or anywhere else in the US for that matter — a breakup this bold would probably lead to a slightly different result. Forget Instagram; you'd be looking at a courtroom, a judge, and maybe a viral hashtag or two. But hey, no one can say the princess isn’t efficient.
Sheikha Mahra’s directness might be shocking, but she’s certainly not the first in her family to make a dramatic move. And considering her sisters’ past escape attempts, an Instagram divorce post seems almost tame by comparison.
Related reading: How to announce your divorce on Instagram like an A-list celebrity
Whether you're thinking of taking the high road or making a splash on social media with your divorce announcement, it’s always a good idea to get some legal advice first. Before you air your grievances online, let us offer you some choice thoughts on the matter and the kind of solid legal guidance that actually helps. Reach out to the family law attorneys at LaGrandeur & Williams today, or drop us a message.