Is ‘The Bleeder’ To Blame For Liev Schreiber And Naomi Watts Split?

It wasn’t that long ago that the internet was buzzing with fanfare surrounding The Bleeder, the presumably true story of Chuck Wepner, which starred Hollywood couple Naomi Watts and Liev Schreiber. Liev, of course, plays Wepner with Watts playing his main squeeze, though The Bleeder tells of Chuck’s boozing and womanizing ways. While Linda (played by Watts) was exceptionally tolerant of Chuck’s vices, it seems the relationship between The Bleeder stars wasn’t quite as durable. Liev and Naomi have announced a break-up after 11 years together.

The Bleeder Stars Liev Schreiber and Naomi Watts Come To Blows

Adding to the long list of celebrity couples to call it quits in 2016, USA Today reports that Ms. Watts and Mr. Schreiber have decided to separate as a couple, though they will still continue to function together as a unified couple. In fact, as one reads the statement issued by Naomi and Liev, it’s difficult not to be reminded of Gwyneth Paltrow’s “conscious uncoupling” phrase. Like many celebrity couples, The Bleeder stars have hopes of sticking together as parents for the sake of their children, but will no longer be involved beyond those co-parenting duties.

“Over the past few months we’ve come to the conclusion that the best way forward for us as a family is to separate as a couple. It is with great love, respect, and friendship in our hearts that we look forward to raising our children together and exploring this new phase of our relationship,” stated Watts and Schreiber jointly in their statement.

So, what caused this seemingly inseparable couple to throw in the towel? No explanation was offered and a request for privacy added to the official statement indicates that no details will be given.

Although Watts and Schreiber never did wed, the couple began dating in 2005. They have two children together, Alexander (“Sasha”), 9, and Samuel, 7.

Signs That Naomi And Liev Were On The Outs

E! News reveals that the signs of an impending split were all around us, pointing to last weekend’s Emmy awards ceremony as just one example. Liev Schreiber was in attendance, but, in lieu of Watts, the Ray Donovan actor was joined by son Sasha. The father and son team spent the afternoon in their pool, sharing a picture on Instragram, before dressing up in their formal wear for the Emmy awards.

“Sasha and me getting ready for the Emmy’s @showtime,” Liev captioned an Instagram picture. “Thank you so much #CervandoMaldonado and #Fabiola!”

The photo was reshared by Naomi watts, who captioned the photo with her usual level of affection, masking any drama that might have been going on between Liev and herself.

“Dapper duo here… #twinning #crushingit #goodluck #raydonovan @lievschreiber #proudbeyondwords.”

While there may not be any single cause for the split, one can’t help but notice that the break-up comes shortly after Watts joined Schreiber on The Bleeder, paralleling the Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie split, following their own film, By the Sea. Even for actors, working side by side with a significant other may put a greater strain on a relationship than most people realize.

Also, in speaking publicly about The Bleeder, Schreiber made a statement to The Hollywood Reporter that might have been taken in a way other than intended.

“Linda couldn’t be further from her. And the first time I saw her walk out of the make-up trailer with the red wig and the fake boobs and the leopard-print tights, I knew it was going to be f—ing awesome,” Liev said of Naomi Watts as Linda.

Whatever the cause of the split, Liev’s Emmy appearance with Sasha proves the former lovers are ensuring that they’re children don’t fall by the wayside, through the separation process.

[Featured Image by Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images]