Kevin Costner’s ex confirms romance with family friend as actor gets teary during ‘Horizon’ Cannes premiere

Kevin Costner’s ex-wife, Christine Baumgartner, recently confirmed her new relationship with a family friend, Joshua Connor, as reported by various sources including Fox News and TMZ. This news comes amidst the premiere of Costner’s latest film, “Horizon: An American Saga,” at the Cannes Film Festival. The actor was seen getting emotional during the premiere, possibly due to the personal and professional significance of the event.

Baumgartner, 50, stepped out hand in hand with Connor near her home in Santa Barbara, Calif. Their afternoon outing marked the first time the couple showed any public displays of affection since Costner and Baumgartner finalized their divorce in February after a nine-month court battle.

Kevin Costner attends Cannes Film Festival while ex-wife packs on PDA with boyfriend Josh Connor

Across the pond, Costner was overcome with emotion as he debuted his western epic, “Horizon: An American Saga,” at the Cannes Film Festival to a nearly 10-minute standing ovation.

Connor’s name became a focal point during Baumgartner and Costner’s child custody payment hearing last year when Costner’s legal team called into question a $20,000 loan from a “boyfriend” who they named as Josh.

The confirmation of Baumgartner’s new relationship comes nearly a year after she filed for divorce from Costner, with whom she shares three children. The couple’s divorce was finalized in September, with a settlement that included Costner paying $63,000 a month in child support.

The new relationship with Connor, a former neighbor of the couple, has been described as a “fresh but not brand new” connection by entertainment sources. Connor was spotted with Baumgartner in Montecito, California, in May 2024, and the two have reportedly been dating since Baumgartner’s split from Costner.

The premiere of “Horizon: An American Saga” at the Cannes Film Festival marked a significant moment for Costner, who directed the film. The first installment of the film is set to be released in theaters in June 2024, with the second installment following in August 2024. Costner expressed his gratitude to the Cannes Film Festival for including his film in the event, noting that it had been 20 years since he had the pleasure of being on the Croisette.

The film, described as a monumental project about the cost, in terms of war and violence, of the construction and expansion of the United States of America, is a multi-episode epic that has been a passion project for Costner for 35 years. The actor, who has a storied career in film, including his acclaimed work in “Dances with Wolves”