In a heartbreaking development for fans of one of Hollywood’s most beloved LGBTQ+ power couples, Samira Wiley and Lauren Morelli have announced their decision to separate. The pair, who famously fell in love on the set of the hit Netflix series Orange Is the New Black (OITNB), confirmed on Friday, January 30, 2026, that they are filing for an amicable divorce after nearly a decade of marriage. The announcement marks the end of a relationship that has long been celebrated for its romantic origin story and visibility within the queer community.
Amicable Split Focused on Co-Parenting
The couple broke the news through a joint statement released exclusively to Out magazine, emphasizing that their priority remains their four-year-old daughter, George Elizabeth. Despite the dissolution of their romantic partnership, Wiley and Morelli made it clear that their family bond is not severed.
"After nine years together, we have decided to end our marriage," the statement read. "However, our lifelong commitment to co-parenting will forever remain." A representative for the couple further confirmed that the filing is completely amicable, with no immediate details regarding the division of assets or custody arrangements publicly disclosed beyond their shared commitment to George.
The news has sent shockwaves through social media, where the couple has frequently shared glimpses of their life, from their stunning 2017 Palm Springs wedding to the joyous arrival of their daughter in 2021.
From Set Romance to Real Life Love
The love story of Samira Wiley and Lauren Morelli is often cited as one of the most compelling narratives to emerge from the Orange Is the New Black era. They first met in December 2012, during the filming of the show's first season. Wiley was captivating audiences as the fan-favorite character Poussey Washington, while Morelli was working behind the scenes as a lead writer and producer.
Their connection began under complex circumstances. At the time, Morelli was married to her then-husband, Steve Basilone. However, through the process of writing for the show and being immersed in its storylines, Morelli realized she was gay. In a widely shared essay from 2014, she candidly described how the show helped her understand her own identity. She filed for divorce from Basilone that same year and subsequently began dating Wiley publicly.
The couple's chemistry was undeniable, leading to a romantic engagement in October 2016. Less than a year later, on March 25, 2017, they tied the knot in a confetti-themed ceremony in Palm Springs, California—a celebration that was widely covered and adored by fans.
A Shared Dedication to Family
While their marriage is ending, the duo's history suggests a continued strong partnership in raising their child. They welcomed their daughter, George Elizabeth, on April 11, 2021. The choice of the name "George" was a topic of delight for fans, with Wiley explaining in interviews that she simply thought it was "really cute" and enjoyed challenging traditional gender norms with names.
Over the years, both Wiley and Morelli have spoken about how motherhood transformed their lives. In 2022, Wiley mentioned in an interview that becoming a parent shifted her focus entirely from herself to the unit of her family. This foundation of mutual respect and shared responsibility is expected to guide them as they navigate this new chapter as co-parents.
Hollywood Breakups 2026: A Year of Transition
This announcement adds Wiley and Morelli to a growing list of celebrity relationship news in early 2026. As the industry evolves, so too do the personal lives of its stars. For fans of the OITNB couple, the split is particularly poignant given how intertwined their professional and personal breakthroughs were.
Samira Wiley, who went on to win an Emmy for her role as Moira in The Handmaid's Tale, and Morelli, who has continued to find success as a showrunner and director, remain two of the most talented figures in television. While they may be walking separate paths romantically, their legacy as a couple who helped bring authentic queer joy to the mainstream remains intact.
As the news settles, fans and well-wishers are flooding their social media channels with support, respecting their request for privacy as they transition into this new phase of life.
