Emily in Paris Stars Ashley Park and Paul Forman Break Up After Two Years Together

When Emily in Paris first premiered on Netflix, few could have predicted that its glittering mix of Parisian charm, couture wardrobes, and messy romantic entanglements would one day extend beyond the screen. But that is exactly what happened when Ashley Park, who plays the ambitious and stylish Mindy Chen, and Paul Forman, who joined the cast as Nicolas de Léon, began a romance that captivated both fans and the media.

Now, two years after their relationship first sparked whispers of gossip-column headlines, the fairytale appears to be over. Multiple outlets have confirmed that Park and Forman have officially broken up, ending one of the streaming world’s most closely watched love stories.

The news has left fans reeling. To many, Ashley and Paul embodied a rare blend of onscreen chemistry and offscreen authenticity, the kind of Hollywood romance that blurs the line between fiction and reality. Their split has reignited conversations not only about celebrity relationships but also about the unique pressures faced by couples who fall in love while the cameras are rolling.

From Co-Stars to Lovers

The story began in 2023. Paul Forman had just joined Emily in Paris as Nicolas de Léon, a suave executive entangled in the world of luxury conglomerates. His character was designed to shake up the central cast, but what no one expected was the immediate rapport between him and Ashley Park.

The two were first spotted holding hands at an event in October 2023. At the time, speculation swirled, but neither confirmed nor denied the rumors. Fans of the series—already invested in their characters’ arcs—were quick to project romance onto the actors themselves.

Months later, Park confirmed the relationship publicly, adding a charming anecdote: it was none other than Lily Collins, the show’s lead star, who first noticed the chemistry between them. In an August 2024 interview, Park revealed:

“What happened with Lily was that she called it out first to me. I said, ‘No, that’s not happening.’ But when things did blossom in a big way, I was like, ‘Oh my god, I have to tell her because now I’ve lied.’”

Her words painted the picture of a relationship that began not with Hollywood spectacle but with genuine friendship, collaboration, and a slow-burn connection that grew over time.

Life in the Spotlight

For Park and Forman, dating was never just about private dinners and quiet weekends. As stars of a global hit, their relationship became intertwined with the public’s fascination for Emily in Paris. Every glance, every social media post, and every red-carpet appearance carried subtext: Were they subtly confirming their love? Were they embodying their onscreen personas offscreen?

This blurred line between character and real life added pressure. In the series, Ashley’s Mindy navigates the challenges of ambition and love while maintaining her wit and resilience. Paul’s Nicolas, meanwhile, became a pivotal figure in Mindy’s storylines. To audiences, their romance felt like a meta-narrative—art imitating life, and life imitating art.

But as many celebrity couples have learned, living under that microscope can make intimacy difficult to sustain. For Park and Forman, what began as a storybook romance may have been complicated by the weight of constant public attention.

The Announcement of the Breakup

News of their split emerged in late September 2025. Outlets like E! News reported that the couple had ended their nearly two-year relationship. Reps for both Ashley and Paul have yet to comment, leaving fans to parse through what little has been shared.

The lack of official statements has only fueled speculation. Was the breakup mutual? Was it the result of career pressures, as both actors juggle demanding projects? Or was it something more personal?

What is known is that the couple maintained a reputation for warmth and respect throughout their relationship. Unlike many celebrity romances, theirs was never overshadowed by scandals or dramatic fallouts. If anything, the breakup seems to reflect the reality of two individuals navigating careers in an industry where time, travel, and opportunity often create distance.

Ashley Park: A Rising Star

To understand the impact of this breakup, it’s worth revisiting Ashley Park’s journey. Born in California, Park first gained recognition on Broadway, where her powerhouse performances earned critical acclaim. She transitioned into television with Emily in Paris, bringing a mix of charm, vulnerability, and comedic timing that made Mindy Chen a fan favorite.

Offscreen, Park’s authenticity has resonated deeply. She has spoken openly about resilience, identity, and creativity, becoming a role model for young women in entertainment. Her relationship with Forman seemed to reflect that same openness: grounded, honest, and free of the manufactured drama that often plagues celebrity romances.

Paul Forman: The Breakout Heartthrob

Paul Forman’s career, while less established at the time of their romance, has skyrocketed in recent years. His role in Emily in Paris made him a household name, particularly among fans drawn to his character’s sophistication and depth. His real-life persona—equal parts charismatic and private—added to his allure.

Being linked with Park elevated his profile even further, cementing him as one half of a beloved celebrity couple. Their joint red-carpet appearances, interviews, and behind-the-scenes anecdotes gave audiences a sense of authenticity rarely seen in Hollywood.

The Weight of “Couple Goals”

For two years, Ashley and Paul were unofficially branded as “couple goals.” Fans flooded social media with clips, photos, and tributes celebrating their love story. Their romance was seen as aspirational: two talented actors who found joy and connection amidst the chaos of the entertainment industry.

But being labeled “perfect” can be a double-edged sword. When fans project idealized expectations onto real relationships, the pressure to maintain that image can become overwhelming. For Park and Forman, every public moment became subject to dissection. Every smile was scrutinized, every silence magnified.

The end of their relationship highlights an important truth: even the most admired couples are not immune to the complexities of love.

How Fans Are Reacting

The breakup has ignited a wave of reactions online. On platforms like X and Instagram, fans expressed sadness, shock, and in some cases, empathy. Comments ranged from heartfelt condolences—“We loved you together, but wish you both happiness”—to playful denial—“I refuse to believe love is dead until Ashley and Paul get back together.”

Some fans have pointed out the irony that the breakup coincides with Emily in Paris Season 5 rumors, noting that the show itself often deals with heartbreak and romantic upheaval. The parallels between fiction and reality are impossible to ignore.

Hollywood’s History of Onscreen/Offscreen Romance

Park and Forman are not the first co-stars whose romance has captivated audiences. From Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie’s storied relationship to Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson’s Twilight-era entanglement, Hollywood is littered with couples who blurred the line between work and personal life.

What makes Park and Forman unique is the balance they struck between sharing their relationship and protecting their privacy. They allowed fans glimpses without turning their romance into a brand. Their breakup, though disappointing to many, appears to reflect that same ethos: dignified, discreet, and free of spectacle.

What’s Next for Ashley and Paul?

The end of their relationship marks a turning point, but both stars remain on upward trajectories.

Ashley Park continues to expand her career beyond Emily in Paris. With upcoming film and television projects, as well as her enduring presence in theater, she is poised to solidify her status as one of Hollywood’s most versatile talents.

Paul Forman, meanwhile, is capitalizing on his breakout success. With new roles rumored in both European and American productions, his career appears primed for international recognition.

While their paths may diverge personally, professionally they remain part of a global phenomenon. Emily in Paris is still a cultural juggernaut, and their characters may continue to cross paths onscreen even as their real-life romance ends.

The Broader Conversation

Beyond the immediate heartbreak, their split raises larger questions about celebrity culture. Why are audiences so invested in the love lives of stars? Why do breakups between co-stars feel more personal than those involving non-famous couples?

Part of the answer lies in the emotional intimacy audiences feel with shows like Emily in Paris. When viewers spend hours immersed in characters’ romantic entanglements, they naturally extend that investment to the actors behind the roles. Park and Forman’s romance felt like a continuation of the show’s themes of love, ambition, and self-discovery.

Now, their breakup feels like the conclusion of a subplot fans didn’t want to end.

Final Word

Ashley Park and Paul Forman’s breakup after nearly two years together is a reminder that even the most seemingly perfect romances are subject to the same challenges as any other. Their relationship began with friendship, blossomed into love, and ultimately concluded with quiet dignity.

For fans, it may be the end of an era. For Park and Forman, it is the beginning of new chapters—personally and professionally.

Love stories don’t always end the way audiences hope. But sometimes, their power lies in what they reveal: that even in the glittering world of Parisian backdrops and Netflix fame, love remains as complex, fragile, and human as ever.