For the first time, Abbott Elementary creator and star Quinta Brunson is addressing her divorce—and she’s not holding back about how hard it’s been navigating such a personal chapter under the public microscope.
In an intimate new interview with Bustle, the Emmy-winning actress reflected on the realities of ending her marriage in the age of social media, revealing that the experience has been both draining and eye-opening.
“I Didn’t Announce Anything”
Brunson, 34, pushed back on the narrative that she had intentionally made her split public.
🗣️ “Even if you don’t give a lot, people want whatever they can get, and will take whatever they can get,” she said.
🗣️ “I remember seeing people be like, ‘She announced her divorce.’ I didn’t announce anything. I think people have this idea that people in the public eye want the public to know their every move. None of us do. I promise you.”
The actress admitted she’s grown frustrated with the way even the most private milestones—buying a house, moving, or life transitions like divorce—can suddenly feel like public property.
🗣️ “No one wants [everyone] to know when you buy a house, when you move, when a major change happens in your personal life — it’s just that that’s public record information,” she explained. “I hate all of it.”
Finding Focus in Chaos
Despite the noise, Brunson says she’s learning to tune out the “invisible voices” and keep her attention on what truly matters: her loved ones and her career.
🗣️ “Those are invisible voices that aren’t in your home with you, that aren’t in your personal life, that aren’t your friends. I love my fans, I love the people who watch Abbott. So you want to hear them, and you want to listen to them, but when it comes to matters of your personal life and decisions you make, you do have to tune it out.”
Brunson described her current chapter as a period of deep reflection and growth.
🗣️ “It’s a transitional time. I think it’s true for me and my personal life, and it’s how I feel about myself, my career, and the world.”
🗣️ “I feel very serious about focusing on watering my own gardens, taking care of myself and the people around me who I actually interact with day-to-day.”
What’s Next for Quinta?
Even amid her personal challenges, Brunson remains laser-focused on her creative work. Abbott Elementary, which she created and stars in, continues to win critical acclaim and rack up awards—including multiple Emmys.
The hit sitcom, which has been hailed as a love letter to teachers, recently wrapped its third season with fans clamoring for updates on season four.
Brunson hinted that she’s using her personal journey as fuel for her art.
🗣️ “Transitions aren’t easy, but they’re necessary. And sometimes the best thing you can do is focus on what’s right in front of you and nurture that.”
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Do you think Quinta’s honesty about her divorce makes her even more relatable? And are you ready for Abbott Elementary’s next chapter?
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