💔🔥 He was the king of action on screen—but love turned out to be his most complicated fight. From global martial arts icon to tabloid headlines, Jean-Claude Van Damme’s personal life has long fascinated fans. Secrets, confessions, and tangled romances—here’s everything you didn’t know about the scandal that caught everyone off guard 👇
Jean-Claude Van Damme, born in Brussels, Belgium, became a household name with his high-flying kicks and action-packed roles. Trained in Shotokan karate from an early age, he rose through the martial arts world, eventually earning a 2nd-dan black belt. But his ambition didn’t stop there—he made the move to the U.S. to chase a Hollywood dream.
It wasn’t long before Van Damme made his mark in the action genre, with hits like Bloodsport, Kickboxer, Cyborg, and Lionheart. Known for his incredible flexibility and signature splits, he became one of the most recognized martial arts stars in the world. However, his personal life didn’t share the same discipline.
Behind the fame, Van Damme’s relationships were filled with passion, drama, and controversy. He was married four times to three different women—Maria Rodriguez, Gladys Portugues (twice), and Darcy LaPier. His marriage to Darcy was the most scandalous of all, especially after he admitted to having a secret affair during that time.
The other woman? None other than pop sensation Kylie Minogue. Van Damme later confirmed the relationship, calling it “beautiful” and claiming it would have been “abnormal” not to fall for her. According to him, her constant presence and smile made the connection inevitable. The two shared intimate moments while filming together, sending shockwaves through his marriage.
Fans were stunned by his candor and seemingly unapologetic attitude. But the scandal didn’t stop there. Around the time of his breakup with LaPier, he had another child and entered into a relationship with Ukrainian model Alena Kaverina. Rumors swirled, but Kaverina’s mother publicly supported their romance, saying Van Damme treated her daughter with respect and affection.
Still, the drama surrounding Van Damme’s love life became tabloid fuel. While he remained a legend on screen, his choices off-screen invited criticism. Many questioned whether his then-wife, Gladys Portugues—whom he had remarried—was aware of his ongoing infidelities.
Despite the chaos, Van Damme has always stood by his belief in love, no matter how turbulent. Whether fans admire him or criticize his choices, one thing is clear: his life outside the ring is as intense as any action film he’s ever made.
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