Emily Ratajkowski & Sebastian Bear-McClard: Serial Cheating, Sexual Misconduct Allegations, and Starting Over at 31
She was one of the most famous models in the world. He was an indie film producer who reportedly cheated on her repeatedly. She filed for divorce, and then even worse allegations about him emerged.
Key Facts
What Happened
In July 2022, Page Six reported that Sebastian Bear-McClard, an independent film producer best known for co-producing Uncut Gems, had been "serial cheating" on supermodel Emily Ratajkowski throughout their four-year marriage. Ratajkowski, who had a one-year-old son Sylvester with Bear-McClard, seemingly confirmed the reports by liking a series of tweets about infidelity, including one that read: "Emrata finally free from that man, just proves that god is actually very real."
Ratajkowski officially filed for divorce in Manhattan Supreme Court on September 8, 2022. The filing was contested, meaning Bear-McClard did not agree to all terms. The couple had married in a courthouse ceremony in 2018 after just a few weeks of dating, and there were no reports of a prenuptial agreement in place.
The situation worsened significantly in March 2023 when Variety reported that multiple women had accused Bear-McClard of sexual misconduct, including allegations of unwanted sexual contact and inappropriate behavior on film sets. These allegations went beyond infidelity and added a criminal dimension to the divorce proceedings. Bear-McClard did not publicly respond to the sexual misconduct allegations.
Ratajkowski became an unlikely voice for women going through divorce, openly discussing her experience in interviews, her podcast, and on social media. She talked about the "horrifying" year following the split, the challenges of single parenting, and the process of rebuilding her identity outside of her marriage. Her candor resonated with millions of women navigating their own divorces and helped destigmatize the experience.
Legal Breakdown: Infidelity and Divorce
Contested vs. Uncontested Divorce
A contested divorce means the parties disagree on one or more terms such as custody, support, or asset division. Contested divorces take longer, cost more, and involve more court appearances. An uncontested divorce, where both parties agree on all terms, can be finalized much more quickly.
Divorce Without a Prenup in New York
New York follows equitable distribution, meaning marital property is divided fairly but not necessarily equally. Without a prenup, all assets and debts acquired during the marriage are subject to division. For high-earning individuals, this can mean significant financial exposure.
Using Social Media During Divorce
Ratajkowski's practice of liking pointed tweets and discussing her divorce publicly is risky from a legal perspective. Opposing counsel can use social media activity as evidence. However, Ratajkowski's openness also created a support community and public sympathy that may have provided strategic advantages.
What This Means for Your Divorce
- →If you suspect infidelity, document evidence before confronting your spouse. Screenshots, financial records, and communication logs may be important in divorce proceedings.
- →A quick courthouse wedding without a prenup can create enormous financial complications during divorce. Always consult an attorney before marriage, even when it feels spontaneous.
- →Contested divorces are significantly more expensive and time-consuming. Consider mediation to resolve disagreements before going to trial.
- →Sharing your divorce story publicly can be healing, but consult your attorney first about what you can and cannot say without jeopardizing your case.
Going Through a Divorce?
Get confidential guidance tailored to your situation — free, private, and available 24/7.
Related Cases
Tiger Woods & Elin Nordegren
United States · 2010
A car crash, a golf club, and the most public cheating scandal in sports history
Adultery & InfidelityNewt Gingrich & Marianne Ginther
United States · 1999
He led the impeachment of Clinton for an affair — while having one of his own
Adultery & InfidelityMeg Ryan & Dennis Quaid
United States · 2001
Both cheated — but only Ryan's career was destroyed by the public fallout
Adultery & InfidelityWas this helpful? Help us keep it free.
divorce911.ai is funded entirely by donations. Every dollar keeps the AI assistant and 1,700+ guides free for people in crisis.
Know someone going through a divorce? This could help them.
This article is based on publicly available court records, news reports, and legal analysis. It is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. No attorney-client relationship is created by reading this content.
Divorce laws vary by jurisdiction. Always consult a licensed attorney in your area before making legal decisions.