Jordan Stephens has spoken for the first time about his recent split from singer Jade Thirlwall, describing relationships as "complex and difficult" and suggesting more details may emerge later.
Stephens, 34, and Thirlwall, 33, ended their six-year relationship earlier this month. In an episode of his podcast, "Miss Me?" with Miquita Oliver, Stephens shared his discomfort with the public nature of the breakup, having not experienced a high-profile relationship before.
"I think I'm uncomfortable with even the concept of it being out," Stephens said. "I've never experienced, I've never been in a high profile relationship really so I think I'm very conflicted because I definitely pride myself on being open and transparent and I like to pull apart experiences of my own in the hope that it can create insight or like create conversation."
He expressed caution about fueling speculation, stating, "I'm always like a couple words or sentences away from either making something worse." Stephens indicated he plans to discuss the situation more openly once it has settled, adding, "I'm definitely going to talk and write I think once things have settled a little bit."
Stephens emphasized that personal emotional experiences are universal, regardless of public profiles. "Like how complex and difficult relationships can be, there's no difference, you don't get any exemptions. There's no unusual subjective feeling when you also have followers. It just doesn't work like that. Grief does not or anything like that or any powerful emotion doesn't discriminate," he explained.
He also stated his intention to protect those involved, noting, "My main point is I want to protect people. I don't want to quite get into it."
Stephens has been on a solo trip following the news of the split, sharing photos of his travels on Instagram, while Thirlwall is preparing for upcoming performances.
Reports suggest that Thirlwall had previously alluded to private struggles in an interview last month, mentioning she was channeling her experiences into writing for her second album. "Whatever I'm going through at the minute, like privately, I'm sort of putting pen to paper," she stated.
According to sources, Stephens has removed all traces of Thirlwall from his Instagram, and she has also taken down photos of him from her page. Despite the separation, friends reportedly hope for a reconciliation between the couple, who lived together and shared time between properties in London and Margate.
An insider told The Sun that the discussions about their future were frank and that the separation has been difficult, with both individuals focusing on their work. "Their friends adore them as a couple and are really hoping they get back together but it's still very raw at the moment," the source added.