10 High Profile Platonic Breakups No One Saw Coming
10 High Profile Platonic Breakups No One Saw Coming
Welcome to MsMojo, and today, we’re looking at high-profile friendships that sank before we even saw it coming. Since these breakups are too iconic to forget, we’re also including pairs who might have since reconciled.
Drake Bell & Josh Peck
Two decades after its debut, “Drake & Josh” remains one of Nickelodeon’s all-time classics. But fans were surprised in 2017 when Drake Bell publicly denounced his former co-star for not inviting him to his wedding. And so, the internet was flooded with speculation around a supposed feud between the former best buds. In truth, things weren’t all that complex: people just assumed the two stayed in touch when they’d just drifted apart. Peck later admitted on the “BFFs” podcast that their relationship became more professional than personal. They’ve since reconciled; Peck reached out after Bell revealed his harrowing experiences on “Quiet on Set.” Here’s hoping they let bygones be bygones and shared a long-overdue “Hug me, brother!” moment.
Ben Cohen & Jerry Greenfield
When you hear the name “Ben,” you probably expect to hear “Jerry” next. For 47 years, Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield were synonymous with each other, building the “Ben & Jerry’s” brand as a fixture in popular culture. Known for their advocacy on social justice issues ranging from women’s rights to LGBTQIA+ equality and beyond, the company took a hardline stance in support of Palestinian refugees. Although unified in their beliefs, the pair finally reached a breaking point in September 2025. Greenfield claimed he could no longer continue “in good conscience”, alleging they were “silenced” by parent company Unilever. While his friendship with Cohen continues to endure, the end of such a long-standing partnership under such circumstances sadly tastes more sour than sweet.
Dean Martin & Jerry Lewis
Between the 1940s and 1950s, the Martin and Lewis comedy duo was always side by side, in nightclubs, on radio, TV, and no less than sixteen movies. But the acrimonious circumstances behind their breakup still sting for many fans. Reportedly unhappy with being typecast as the straight man, Martin’s frustrations boiled over on the set of “Hollywood or Bust,” their final film together. After initially exchanging insults – where Martin even referred to his former friend as “nothing to me but a dollar sign” – they became estranged for twenty years. Later in life, Lewis expressed regret at such a long falling out, saying, “The stupidity of that, I cannot expound on. The ignorance of that is something I hope I’ll always forget.”
James Franco & Seth Rogen
A modern-day Martin and Lewis in spirit, the Franco-Rogen partnership lasted nearly two decades. After teaming on “Freaks and Geeks,” the pair were in each other’s orbit across film and TV. “Pineapple Express” launched a streak of hits like “Sausage Party,” “The Interview,” “This Is the End,” and “The Disaster Artist.” But it all came crashing down after allegations of sexual misconduct against Franco surfaced, leading to the actor’s unofficial blacklisting from Hollywood. In an interview with “The Sunday Times,” Rogen also distanced himself from Franco in light of the accusations, saying, “I can say it has changed many things in our relationship and our dynamic.” Franco echoed this to “Variety” years later, confirming that their friendship was “over” despite his efforts at reconciliation.
Taylor Swift & Katy Perry
This feud went on for so long that many even forgot they were friends at one point. Famously supportive of one another early on, their relationship cooled off dramatically over the next decade. Rumors ran rampant over a rift caused by Perry’s relationship with Swift’s ex-boyfriend, John Mayer. However, things truly escalated with the release of Swift’s song “Bad Blood,” widely interpreted as a diss track against Perry. Speaking to James Corden, Perry confirmed the feud was actually about a misunderstanding involving backup dancers. They would eventually reconcile, but it took years. Unfortunately, Swift’s estrangement from former BFF Karlie Kloss hasn’t had a similar happy ending yet, and fans continue to wonder what might have happened between the once inseparable pair.
Lauren Conrad & Heidi Montag
Any fan of MTV’s “The Hills” knows exactly what those words mean. Reality TV beef isn’t usually taken seriously, but the feud between former best friends Lauren Conrad and Heidi Montag is as real as it gets. The rift began after Montag’s boyfriend, Spencer Pratt, spread rumors about an illicit tape involving Conrad and her ex-boyfriend, Jason Wahler. On the “Call Her Daddy” podcast, Montag claimed their friendship was over after Conrad issued an ultimatum: ditch Pratt or leave the show. Though many thought the pair would patch up over the years, they’ve gone their separate ways. And with Conrad stepping away from the spotlight, the Lauren-Heidi friendship seems destined to be remembered only for what it once was.
Selena Gomez & Demi Lovato
Rumors of Gomez’s alleged fallout with Francia Raisa have dominated headlines in recent years. However, fans still cling to memories of her bond with original bestie, Demi Lovato. Debuting together on “Barney & Friends,” they rose to fame during Disney Channel’s golden era. However, cracks appeared by 2010 after Lovato hinted at tension from Gomez’s growing friendship with Taylor Swift. Despite frequent speculation, the pair dodged questions about each other over the next decade. It wasn’t until 2020 that Lovato made the estrangement official, telling Harper’s Bazaar: “When you grow up with somebody, you're always going to have love for them. But I'm not friends with her.” Still, the former BFFs have been quietly supportive of each other, even if a reunion is off the table.
Kim Cattrall & Sarah Jessica Parker
Their chemistry in “Sex and the City” had everyone convinced that the two were real-life soul sisters. But that illusion was shattered in 2017, when Cattrall told Piers Morgan that she and Parker “were never friends.” Things took an uglier turn in 2018 after Parker offered condolences following the passing of Cattrall’s brother. Cattrall launched a very public clapback, accusing her of exploiting her family’s tragedy “to restore [her] ‘nice girl’ image,” and reiterating that they were not friends. By the time “And Just Like That…” premiered, it was no surprise that Cattrall had refused to sign on. If her cameo in the show’s second season is anything to go by, though, their animosity seems to have mellowed down, at least to some extent.
Paris Hilton & Nicole Richie
During the aughts, this BFF duo was everywhere – and by that, we do mean everywhere. From fashion events, red carpets, and of course, “The Simple Life,” you couldn’t escape them even if you tried. But in 2005, it looked like they’d finally had enough of each other. Hilton shocked fans by publicly announcing the end of their friendship, claiming, “Nicole knows what she did, and that’s all I’m ever going to say about it.” But just as quickly as they broke up, the two reunited, leaving a question mark over what might have happened. Equally as mysterious was their falling out with fellow party-scene staple Lindsay Lohan, whose own exit came seemingly out of nowhere.
Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.
Jordyn Woods & Kylie Jenner
Hooking Up With Your Best Friend’s Sister’s Partner Tends to Sour Friendships
Will Ferrell & Adam McKay
Their Two-Decade Friendship Ended After McKay Cast John C. Reilly Over Ferrell in HBO’s “Winning Time”
Jay-Z & Kanye West
Once as Close as Brothers, Now as Good as Strangers
Madonna & Gwyneth Paltrow
Friends Since the ‘90s, The Pair Reportedly Hit a Permanent Roadblock in 2010
Donald Trump & Elon Musk
A Trump-Musk bromance wasn’t on anybody’s bingo card. Yet, not only were they somehow tight by 2024, but Musk even reportedly splashed millions to support the US President’s reelection bid. All was rosy until that one snag that was the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. And how did they hash it out? By arguing on social media, of course, with Musk constantly taking pot shots on Twitter and Trump airing out his signature threats. By September 2025, the pair appeared to have made things great again. But knowing these two? It’s anyone's guess how long this truce might last. At this point, it’s just easier to sit back, grab some popcorn, and expect some more fuel to the fire.
Is there any Hollywood beef you have in mind? Let us know in the comments.
