Kevin Costner ‘had strong suspicions’ about ex-wife Christine Baumgartner and new boyfriend Josh Connor’s romance

Kevin Costner was revealed to have ‘strong suspicions’ about his ex-wife Christine Baumgartner and Josh Connor’s romance – which was confirmed earlier this month.

The 69-year-old Yellowstone actor — who recently appeared at the 81st Golden Globe Awards — had suspected “something was going on between Christine and Josh,” a source said. We weekly in an article published Wednesday.

The insider also added that the new couple’s “close (bond) was a real elephant in the room.”

Last May, Baumgartner notably filed for divorce from the Hollywood star after nearly 19 years of marriage, citing “irreconcilable differences.” The divorce was finalized months later in September after a tumultuous battle.

She has since moved on with the financier – and former neighbor – after the pair were first spotted together on a trip to Hawaii last July.

Late last December, Costner was also linked to singer Jewel – three months after they reached a divorce settlement.

The source also told Us Weekly that since the Oscar winner has also moved on, “Christine doesn’t think Kevin has anything to complain about.”

“Josh has been Christine’s rock and steady throughout the divorce ordeal. If Kevin has a problem with that, that’s on him,” and he also noted that the couple’s close friendship had turned romantic “relatively recently.”

In the midst of their divorce proceedings in August 2023, Kevin claimed he’s ‘not sure’ if Baumgartner had ‘extramarital’ affairs, but stated that he had been faithful during their marriage.

In a legal request for order obtained by People The mother of three had requested further documentation at the time to prove Costner’s finances.

Some of the requests include “expenses paid by you, or someone else at your request or on your behalf, in connection with extramarital romantic relationships.”

In response, the star’s legal team stated that the request was “filed solely for the purpose of harassment, was overly broad in time and subject matter, incriminating, oppressive and impermissibly complex.”

Costner and his team also added that he is “not sure if (Christine) had an ‘extramarital romantic relationship’ before the divorce and, if so, whether she spent any of his money or charged fees to furthering her affair. (s) on credit cards he has paid off.”

The star’s lawyers stated, “(Kevin) has no responsive documents for ‘extramarital romantic relationships’ he was involved in because he didn’t have any.”

According to the newspaper, New York matrimonial and family law attorney Marilyn B. Chinitz explained that Christine’s request was “not unusual.”

While in court that same month in August, she had denied having a relationship with the investor, but admitted to receiving a $20,000 loan from Connor.

She explained that she had already paid back $10,000, with the other half given to her parents, but said she would pay the rest back to Josh as well.

After a bitter battle, Kevin and Christine reached a divorce settlement in September 2023.

The couple released a joint statement provided to DailyMail.com which read: ‘Kevin and Christine Costner have reached an amicable and mutually agreed resolution to all issues relating to their divorce proceedings.’

The former couple welcomed three children during their marriage: Cayden, 16, Hayes, 14, and Grace, 13.

After a two-day hearing, Christine was awarded $63,000 per month in child support – a much lower amount than the $165,000 she had requested.

Earlier this month, four months after the divorce settlement, DailyMail.com revealed that Christine has moved on with Josh Connor.

She was seen in her Range Rover dropping her new man off at his palatial home in Montecito – less than five minutes from her own home – after a quick getaway.

Later that same day, he was seen making a brief visit to Baumgartner’s home, buzzing himself in with his own door click.

Christine’s new husband is financier Josh Connor, 49; himself a divorced father of three children who became legally single on January 3, 2023.

The couple also traveled together over the Christmas period. Her new banker boyfriend flew her to Hawaii on a private jet, sources told DailyMail.com.

The pair were previously photographed laughing together on another holiday in Hawaii in July, accompanied by her daughter Grace and his youngest child Abigail, both 13, and it later emerged in court that the banker had lent her $20,000.

Baumgartner was accused by an irate Costner of having a new boyfriend and denied dating Connor under oath during a hearing in Santa Barbara last August.

Also this month, the pair were seen repeatedly going in and out of each other’s homes – despite both having their children with them.

Sources have told DailyMail.com that the romance has been going on for some time, with the couple taking a trip to New York in December ahead of their tropical Christmas.

The insider said: “They are together and have been for a while. They spent time together in Hawaii before Christmas, while Kevin was probably in Aspen with the kids.”

‘They also took a trip to New York together. She hasn’t done much to hide what’s going on from her friends.’

According to the source, the lovebirds met through their daughters, who are good friends themselves and often hang out together.

As a result, Connor and his ex-wife Patricia, 48, have been friends with the Costner family for years and both live in Montecito — close to Baumgartner’s $50,000-a-month rental home and Costner’s $70 million Carpinteria complex.

Last month in December, Kevin was romantically linked to singer Jewel, according to a source People, ‘Kevin and Jewel’s relationship is fresh but not brand new. There is a very strong attraction on both sides.’

“Jewel likes Kevin’s type and Kevin likes a relationship, so this is cool,” the insider continued. ‘He’s having fun after his controversial divorce. He’s glad it’s over.’

A separate source also exclusively told DailyMail.com that the two are ‘not serious right now’ but are enjoying their time together.

“Jewel likes herself as a man and she really likes Kevin’s country-western vibe. They’re having fun.’

It is speculated that the couple crossed paths around Thanksgiving last year when their mutual friend Richard Branson invited them to his Caribbean island.

The insider added that “Richard is 100 percent responsible for Kevin and Jewel’s relationship.”

Richard invited Jewel to her charity fundraiser at Necker and, honestly, the meeting happened organically. We hit it off well and Jewel seems happy with it.”

“She’s not really one for words, but her friends see a light in her that hasn’t been there for a long time.”