Unraveling The Relationship Between Matthew Settle And Kelly Rutherford: A Deep Dive

The seemingly straightforward on-screen relationship between Rufus Humphrey and Lily van der Woodsen in the CW’s hit teen drama *Gossip Girl* masked a far more complex and, at times, fraught reality between the actors who portrayed them: Matthew Settle and Kelly Rutherford. While the show aired, public perception largely focused on their fictional romance. However, off-screen dynamics, particularly during Rutherford’s highly publicized and emotionally draining custody battle, painted a different picture. This explainer aims to unpack their relationship, providing historical context, outlining current developments, and speculating on potential next steps.

Who Are Matthew Settle and Kelly Rutherford?

Matthew Settle is an American actor best known for his role as Rufus Humphrey, the charming, artistic father from Brooklyn, in *Gossip Girl* (2007-2012). He has also appeared in *Band of Brothers* and *ER*. Kelly Rutherford is an American actress famous for portraying Lily van der Woodsen, the wealthy and stylish socialite mother, in *Gossip Girl*. She also boasts a long career with roles in *Melrose Place* and *Generations*. On *Gossip Girl*, their characters navigated a turbulent on-again, off-again romance, eventually marrying and later divorcing.

What Was Their Relationship Like On and Off Screen?

On screen, Settle and Rutherford portrayed a complex, often idealistic relationship. They were presented as soulmates destined to be together despite class differences and external pressures. Off-screen, reports suggest their relationship was more professional than personal. While they maintained a cordial working relationship on set, they weren't known to socialize extensively outside of filming. However, the true complexity of their dynamic surfaced during Rutherford's contentious custody battle.

When Did the Tension Become Public?

The public became more aware of potential tension between the actors during Rutherford's lengthy and emotionally charged custody dispute with her ex-husband, Daniel Giersch. The battle began in 2009 after their divorce and centered around the residency of their two children, Hermes and Helena.

Where Did the Custody Battle Take Place?

Initially, the custody battle unfolded in courts in Los Angeles and New York. However, due to Giersch's visa issues, a California judge ruled in 2012 that the children should live primarily with their father in Monaco, where he resided. This decision launched Rutherford into a years-long legal fight to bring her children back to the United States.

Why Was Matthew Settle's Involvement Controversial?

During Rutherford's custody battle, Settle publicly voiced his support for her. However, his actions were perceived by some as inconsistent. While he initially seemed supportive, he later faced criticism for what some interpreted as a lack of sustained and unwavering support. This perceived inconsistency fueled speculation about the true nature of their relationship.

Specifically, in 2015, Rutherford defied a court order and refused to return her children to Monaco after a summer visit. This led to a media frenzy, and while Settle initially expressed sympathy for Rutherford's situation, he remained relatively quiet compared to other *Gossip Girl* cast members who vocally supported her.

Furthermore, sources close to the situation revealed that Settle expressed concerns about the impact of the public battle on the children. He reportedly felt conflicted between supporting his former co-star and protecting the well-being of Hermes and Helena. This created the impression that he was walking a tightrope, carefully balancing his public statements to avoid further complicating an already delicate situation.

Historical Context: The *Gossip Girl* Phenomenon and Public Perception

*Gossip Girl*, which ran from 2007 to 2012, was a cultural phenomenon. The show's popularity fueled intense media scrutiny of the cast's personal lives. Public interest in the actors' relationships, both on and off screen, was high. This heightened attention placed additional pressure on Settle and Rutherford, particularly as Rutherford's custody battle became increasingly public. The show's dedicated fanbase often blurred the lines between fiction and reality, further complicating the actors' personal lives.

Current Developments: Where Are They Now?

The custody battle finally concluded in 2015 when a judge ordered Rutherford to return her children to Giersch in Monaco. While details remain private, it's understood that the children continue to reside primarily with their father. Rutherford has since become an advocate for parental rights and has spoken publicly about her experiences.

Matthew Settle continues to work as an actor, appearing in various film and television projects. He maintains a relatively low profile compared to his *Gossip Girl* days.

The actors have not publicly commented on their relationship in recent years. Their interactions, if any, are likely private.

Likely Next Steps:

Given the passage of time and the sensitive nature of the situation, it is unlikely that Settle and Rutherford will publicly address their relationship in the near future. The focus remains on the well-being of Rutherford's children.

Professionally, both actors are likely to continue pursuing their respective careers. While a *Gossip Girl* reboot exists, neither actor has been significantly involved.

Conclusion:

The relationship between Matthew Settle and Kelly Rutherford is a multifaceted story that extends beyond their on-screen romance. The complexities of their dynamic were amplified by the intense media scrutiny surrounding *Gossip Girl* and the highly publicized custody battle. While their on-screen portrayal suggested a deep connection, the reality appears to have been more nuanced, marked by professional respect and, at times, conflicting perspectives. Ultimately, the situation serves as a reminder that the lines between public perception and private reality can be significantly blurred, especially in the high-pressure environment of Hollywood. The likely future is one of continued privacy and professional pursuits for both actors.