Hailey Watson
You don’t need to be divorced — or even a dad — to show “divorced dad energy.” The term refers to any cringe, insecure, or overcompensating behavior typically associated with middle-aged men trying too hard to seem cool, young, or relevant. Think: desperate fashion reinventions, performative masculinity, awkward oversharing, and ill-timed attempts at swagger.
In 2025, some celebrities embodied the quintessential divorced dad energy with their antics and lifestyle choices, making headlines for their midlife transformations and public displays. These five stars stood out by embracing the vibe in the most memorable ways.
1. Keith Urban’s Petty Lyric Rewrite
Keith Urban’s post-divorce era presented a curious blend of artistic expression and personal revelation. Following his split from Nicole Kidman, Urban caused a stir by altering a lyric in their famous duet “The Fighter” during a live show. The new words hinted at another woman, a move that mixed artistic freedom with undeniable pettiness.
This lyrical shift was both an assertion of independence and a cringe-worthy moment that audiences couldn’t ignore. It’s as if Urban decided to etch his personal life into the musical landscape, creating a strikingly public display of raw, emotional vulnerability.
Urban’s actions reflected a man caught between moving on and holding on, creating a soundtrack to his newly single life.
2. Mark Zuckerberg’s Manosphere Makeover
Mark Zuckerberg’s transformation in 2025 was nothing short of dramatic. Entering the public eye with a newfound vigor, he embraced the spirit of the manosphere, emphasizing masculinity in unexpected ways. His friendship with Joe Rogan and venture into MMA training became talking points across media platforms.
Zuckerberg’s sparkly bodysuit appearance was a bold, if not puzzling, statement that left many viewers perplexed. Claiming that corporate life had dulled his manhood, he sought to reclaim his identity through memes and martial arts.
This year, Zuckerberg’s reinvention as a man on a mission was both perplexing and oddly captivating, marking a unique chapter in his life story.
3. Leonardo DiCaprio’s Midlife Neverland Routine
Leonardo DiCaprio has long been a figure of intrigue, but in 2025, he truly embraced the divorced dad persona. Known for dating women often half his age, DiCaprio’s attendance at a billionaire’s wedding in a simple baseball cap raised eyebrows. It’s as if Peter Pan himself decided to grow up, but only slightly.
The actor’s youthful escapades were complemented by a peculiar fashion choice: dyed brows and the running joke that he’s “forever 35.” This year, his refusal to let go of his boyish charm became even more pronounced, solidifying his place in the pantheon of midlife adventures.
Clinging to a seemingly endless adolescence, DiCaprio’s antics were both endearing and a little out of place.
4. Brad Pitt’s Freedom-Fueled Fashion Crisis
Brad Pitt’s 2025 was marked by a vibrant mix of fashion mishaps and adrenaline-fueled hobbies. With a girlfriend nearly thirty years his junior, Pitt’s adventures seemed like an attempt to reclaim lost youth. His wardrobe, dominated by tie-dye, seemed more suited to a 1970s music festival than Hollywood royalty.
Pitt’s newfound enthusiasm for Formula 1 racing added another layer to his midlife transformation. It wasn’t just about speed, but an expression of freedom and rebellion against the conventional.
The juxtaposition of youthful exuberance and seasoned wisdom painted Pitt as a man embracing chaos and joy, making his journey both relatable and entertaining.
5. Justin Bieber’s Public Pity Post
Justin Bieber’s digital antics in 2025 provided a masterclass in public vulnerability. When Hailey Bieber graced Vogue’s cover, Bieber’s reaction was a cringe-worthy confession that he once predicted she’d never achieve such a feat. His decision to post and then delete this admission read more as a public apology than romantic gesture.
This move reflected a youthful impetuousness, combined with a touch of emotional regression. It was a stark reminder of the complexities in reconciling private feelings in the public sphere.
Bieber’s year was an exploration of maturity and missteps, capturing the essence of a modern-day “divorced dad” struggling with public perception and personal growth.
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