Joel Schiffman Breaks Silence on Hoda Kotb’s New Romance—“She Moved on So Fast, I’m Still Healing…”

New York City, April 2025 — Just when the world was getting swept up in the whirlwind Hoda Kotb–Kevin Costner romance, an unexpected voice has finally emerged from the shadows: Joel Schiffman, Hoda’s ex-fiancé and longtime partner of eight years. And his words? Heartbreaking, raw, and shocking.

In a stunning turn of events, Joel has broken his silence—and what he has to say reveals a side of the story no one saw coming.

💔 “I Didn’t Expect Her to Move On This Quickly…”

In an exclusive interview with a close friend that quickly made its way to media outlets, Joel reportedly opened up about how blindsided he feels by Hoda’s very public connection with Kevin Costner.

“We were together for nearly a decade. We raised kids together. We planned a future. So yeah… seeing her on magazine covers with someone else this soon—it stings,” Joel allegedly confessed.

He continued:

“I’m not here to bash her. I’ll never do that. But I’d be lying if I said this hasn’t been hard. I’m still healing. And honestly, I thought she was too.”

🕊 A Quiet Breakup… Until Now

Hoda and Joel announced their split in early 2022, citing that they were “better as friends and co-parents.” The breakup was amicable—or so it seemed.

They continued to co-parent their two daughters, Haley and Hope, and remained in contact for family milestones. There were even whispers of a potential reconciliation in mid-2023.

But now, with Hoda’s high-profile dating rumors with Kevin Costner, it seems any hopes of rekindling that flame have been extinguished for good.

And Joel? He’s hurting.

😢 “I Just Wanted Time to Breathe…”

The most poignant part of Joel’s reported statement? His plea for understanding.

“People think because we weren’t married, it was easier. But that was my family. Those girls still call me ‘Daddy Joel.’ I needed time to breathe. She… clearly needed something else.”

Sources close to Joel say he’s been struggling privately, choosing not to make headlines—until now.

“Joel saw the headlines, the Cartier watch, the smiling interviews. And he snapped. He’s human. He’s hurt,” a mutual friend revealed.

🔥 The Cartier Watch That Lit the Fire

It’s impossible to ignore the timing. Just weeks ago, Kevin Costner reportedly sent Hoda a $35,000 vintage Cartier watch with a romantic inscription.

The internet swooned.

But for Joel? It was a knife to the heart.

“The watch felt like a slap. Not because of the money, but because of what it meant. Time. Love. The future. That used to be us,” Joel allegedly shared with a friend.

🎙 Hoda’s “Emotional Confession” On-Air—Directed at Kevin?

During a recent Today Show episode, Hoda subtly addressed her rumored relationship with Kevin, saying:

“Sometimes life surprises you. I’ve never felt this way before.”

While fans cheered, Joel reportedly felt crushed.

“I loved her. I thought she felt that way with me too. Hearing that? It’s like I was erased,” he allegedly said.

😲 Friends Are Taking Sides

The celebrity breakup now has friends and fans divided.

Team Hoda:

“She gave him years. They outgrew each other. She deserves to be happy,” says one colleague.

Team Joel:

“She moved on fast. Kevin is a Hollywood star—how long will that last?” an insider close to Joel wondered.

💬 Social Media Reacts: A Tug-of-War of Emotions

Twitter and Instagram exploded as fans weighed in on Joel’s side of the story.

@CostnerKotbFan: “Joel’s feelings are valid, but Hoda owes herself a fresh start too.”
@JusticeForJoel: “8 years and he gets replaced by Kevin Costner?? Brutal.”
@TeaToday: “If Joel is still healing, maybe he should’ve spoken to Hoda, not the press.”

Others are demanding a direct response from Hoda, with hashtags like #SpeakUpHoda and #JoelDeservesClosure beginning to trend.

🧠 Relationship Expert Weighs In: “There’s No Timeline for Healing”

We spoke to celebrity therapist and relationship expert Dr. Renee Jacobs to unpack the emotional fallout.

“Joel is grieving the loss of a life he built. Hoda has every right to move on—but grief isn’t linear, especially in long-term relationships. His reaction isn’t uncommon,” she explained.

She added:

“Public breakups come with public expectations. Joel may feel forgotten, but healing is personal. It’s okay to feel betrayed. It’s also okay to fall in love again.”

🔍 Was Hoda Already Emotionally Gone?

One source close to the former couple suggested Hoda had emotionally checked out long before the official split.

“She tried. She really did. But they became more like business partners than lovers. She held on for the kids, for the family unit. But love? That was gone a long time ago.”

If that’s true, Joel may have been clinging to something that Hoda had already released.

💔 Joel’s Future: “I Need to Rebuild Myself”

Despite the heartbreak, Joel reportedly isn’t interested in a media war or revenge story.

“I’m not angry. I’m just sad. I need time. I need space. And maybe one day, I’ll find someone who wants to take their time with me,” he told a friend.

He’s also said to be focusing on his relationship with Haley and Hope, trying to maintain a consistent presence in their lives even as Hoda’s world changes.

“The girls still love him. Hoda’s been supportive of that, and Joel appreciates it,” a family friend shared.

📸 Will We See a Kevin vs. Joel Face-Off?

Highly unlikely—but fans are speculating that a potential red carpet debut for Hoda and Kevin at an upcoming film premiere may stir even more drama.

“If Joel sees them together, holding hands in front of flashing cameras, that might be his final breaking point,” one insider warned.

But others believe Joel will take the high road—quietly, with dignity.

🧡 Final Thoughts: Pain, Growth, and the Messiness of Love

This situation is more than a headline—it’s a reminder that love, loss, and healing don’t follow a script.

Hoda Kotb is embracing a new chapter—possibly with Kevin Costner by her side.

Joel Schiffman is still turning the pages of the old one.

And somewhere in between, two little girls are still watching two people they love navigate the most complicated thing in the world: moving on.

💭 What Do YOU Think?

Was Hoda right to move on with Kevin?
Is Joel playing the sympathy card—or just being honest?
Should Hoda respond publicly to Joel’s words?

Use the hashtags and join the conversation:

#JoelSpeaksOut
#HodaAndKevin
#CostnerKotbDrama
#TeamHoda vs #TeamJoel
#HealingTakesTime

Need a follow-up: a dramatic “Hoda responds to Joel” piece or “Kevin’s reaction to the ex’s heartbreak”? Just let me know—I’ve got the next chapter locked and loaded. 💥