When the news finally broke that Haley Lu Richardson and Brett Dier were no longer an item, it wasn't your typical Hollywood "we've decided to go our separate ways" press release. It was weird. Honestly, it was a little bit jarring. Not because of any scandalous cheating or public drama, but because they had been broken up for two entire years before anyone actually knew.
In a world where we know what celebrities eat for breakfast, they pulled off the impossible. They stayed silent.
The Haley Lu Richardson split became official to the public in November 2022. But the actual ending? That happened way back in 2020. Imagine carrying that around while your face is plastered on billboards for The White Lotus. That’s a long time to keep a secret when your fans are still tagging you in "couple goals" posts every single day.
The Pizza Proposal and Why It Mattered
To understand why the split hit fans so hard, you kinda have to remember how they started. Or rather, how they got engaged.
They were the "it" couple for people who hate "it" couples. They met on the set of Ravenswood (that Pretty Little Liars spin-off that didn't quite make it) back in 2012. Seven years later, they were sitting at an outdoor strip mall eating pizza. Brett was doing an impression of Shia LaBeouf.
Haley just... asked.
"Wanna marry me?"
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No ring. No sunset. Just a gut feeling and some twigs they found in a nearby bush to tie around their fingers. It was raw and impulsive. It felt like something that would actually last because it wasn't built for Instagram likes.
Why did they wait two years to tell us?
Most of the time, when a celeb couple splits, the publicists are on the phone within the hour. Haley and Brett did the opposite.
They separated in 2020, right when the world was upside down anyway. In her eventual Instagram announcement, Haley explained that she was glad they had those two years to "heal and grow without the internet knowing."
It makes sense. If you’re grieving a seven-year relationship, do you really want a million strangers telling you they're "literally crying" in your comments section? Probably not. They chose privacy over performance.
The Reality of the Haley Lu Richardson Split
Haley has been surprisingly open lately about how much that breakup leveled her. She told People magazine that she spent a huge chunk of her life with Brett. When you grow up with someone—going from your teens to your late twenties—your identities get tangled.
She admitted she thought her life would basically stop if they weren't together forever.
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It didn't.
But it was hard.
There’s this misconception that because they’re "friendly" now, the split was easy. It wasn't. Haley has talked about going through "deep heartbreak" and the terror of the unknown. She’s been in therapy for years, and she credits that work with helping her find her feet again.
What happened the day they went public?
Here is a detail most people gloss over: The day they posted those Instagram stories in 2022 was the first time they had seen each other since the actual breakup.
Think about that.
They met up, took a selfie with thumbs up, and decided now was the time. It was a conscious choice to close the chapter together. Brett’s post was short and sweet, basically saying Haley’s post was better worded (which, let's be real, is very Brett Dier).
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Life After the Engagement
Since the Haley Lu Richardson split, both of them have stayed relatively low-key regarding their new dating lives. Haley has been linked to a few rumors here and there, but nothing she’s confirmed. She’s mostly been focusing on her "cheese and dancing" era.
She told reporters she’s single but would love to share her life with someone eventually. She wants someone who makes her feel safe. Simple.
Brett has been doing his own thing too. He’s been seen in projects like Fresh and continues to be that eccentric, talented guy everyone loved on Jane the Virgin.
The Takeaway for the Rest of Us
What can we actually learn from the way they handled this?
First, the "twig ring" energy is great, but even the most "meant to be" couples can outgrow each other. Seven years is a lifetime in your twenties. People change.
Second, you don't owe anyone an explanation for your personal life in real-time. If you're going through a rough patch or a total life overhaul, it’s okay to go dark. You don't have to perform your sadness for the "internet babies," as Haley calls them.
Next Steps for Fans and Observers
If you’re still mourning this couple, it’s worth looking at their individual journeys now. Haley is at the top of her game professionally, and Brett seems to be finding his own path.
- Watch the growth: Check out Haley’s performance in The White Lotus Season 2—knowing she was navigating a secret breakup during that time adds a whole new layer to her character, Portia.
- Respect the boundaries: They’ve both made it clear they are "existing and doing pretty well."
- Prioritize yourself: Take a page out of Haley's book and remember that even if you think your life will stop after a breakup, it won't. You're capable of being on your own.
The Haley Lu Richardson split wasn't a failure. It was just a long, special chapter that ended when it needed to. Sometimes the most romantic thing you can do is let go and keep the reasons to yourself.