Chris Appleton is finally breaking his silence on the end of his whirlwind marriage to White Lotus star Lukas Gage, and he’s doing it with grace, insight, and a little wisdom from heartbreak.
The celebrity hairstylist, known for working with the likes of Kim Kardashian and Jennifer Lopez, reflected on his divorce during the Aug. 6 episode of Jay Shetty’s On Purpose podcast. It’s the first time he’s spoken publicly about the split, nearly two years after filing to end the marriage.
“You can love someone and there not be a forever happy ending,” Appleton told Shetty. “And just because it’s not forever doesn’t mean it didn’t mean something.”
A Short-Lived Love Story
Appleton, 42, married Gage, 30, in April 2023 following a brief but highly publicized courtship. The pair tied the knot in a Vegas ceremony officiated by none other than Kim Kardashian. Their relationship raised eyebrows for its speed, but Appleton isn’t here for the skepticism.
“Moving fast doesn’t always mean you’re being reckless,” he said. “Sometimes it means you’re hopeful. I’ve never entered a relationship without an open heart, and I don’t regret any of them.”
He added that while he understands people’s impulse to protect themselves after heartbreak, he’d rather “love and fall than never feel anything at all.”
From Heartbreak to Healing
Though Appleton didn’t share specific details about the reason behind the split, Gage has previously denied any cheating rumors, he did admit to navigating some deep emotional pain.
“There was a lot of private pain,” he said, adding that support from his close circle and therapy helped him navigate the emotional fallout.
“One of the biggest lessons I learned is finding alignment,” he continued. “My work is all about the outside, but the real power comes when you feel good on the inside.”
Prioritizing Family Over Headlines
Appleton also made it clear that his top priority has always been his children: Billy, 22, and Kitty-blu, 20, whom he shares with his ex Kate Katon.
“As a dad, I wanted to protect my kids,” he said. “With any relationship I’m in, I know there will be public conversation. That’s why it was so important for me to find that internal alignment, something I hadn’t experienced my whole life.”
While fans may have been eager for drama or a headline-worthy explanation, Appleton’s focus remains on growth, self-love, and finding peace, even if it came from a painful chapter.
