Ali Wong, the comedian known for her brutally honest and hilarious takes on relationships, has opened up about her life post-divorce. Her split from ex-husband Justin Hakuta, a Harvard Business School graduate, has led her on a journey filled with new adventures, including maintaining a strong friendship with him. The comedian filed for divorce in December 2023, more than a year after they announced their separation. The couple, who share two daughters, Mari and Nikki, finalized their divorce in May 2024.
Ali Wong’s Perspective on Divorce: A Fresh Beginning
Many view divorce as a sad and final chapter in a person’s life, but for Wong, it marked the beginning of new opportunities and personal growth. Appearing on Today with Hoda and Jenna on October 9, 2024, Wong shared that her decision to end her marriage
was the right one. She drew parallels between the experience of becoming a mother and going through a divorce. Just as her pregnancy brought unexpected joy and the start of a flourishing career with her iconic special Baby Cobra, her divorce opened doors to new experiences.
“With divorce, it’s the same thing where people look at it like this sad ending, and that’s just not been the case for me,” Wong explained. “It’s been this beautiful beginning to many new adventures, one being — sincerely — the friendship with the father of my children.”
The Friendship That Survived the Divorce
Despite the end of their romantic relationship, Wong and Hakuta have remained close friends. Co-parenting their two daughters, Mari and Nikki, has been central to their bond, but Wong’s commitment to keeping a friendly relationship with Hakuta goes beyond
just co-parenting. She revealed that she has a history of maintaining connections with her exes, even some from her college years. Wong believes that every relationship teaches valuable lessons and that it’s important to hold onto those lessons without harboring resentment.
“There’s value in every relationship,” she said, “and you learn something new from every person about what you like and what you don’t like. To be grateful to them for that.”
From Harvard to Heartbreak: Ali Wong and Justin Hakuta’s Love Story
Wong and Hakuta’s love story began in 2010 at a wedding reception where they hit it off immediately. Hakuta, who was then a Fulbright scholar and a student at Harvard Business School, captured Wong’s attention, and the two quickly became inseparable. They married in 2014 and soon welcomed two daughters into the world, Mari in 2015 and Nikki in 2017. Wong’s stand-up comedy routines often referenced Hakuta, with both affection and humor, as she poked fun at their dynamic and her envy of single life.
In her 2022 Netflix special Don Wong, she joked about feeling “trapped” in monogamy and lamented how she pressured Hakuta into marriage when she felt unsure about her career’s trajectory. “I asked this dude to ask me to go to prison,” she quipped, referring to marriage as “monogamy jail.”
Post-Divorce Life and Ali Wong’s New Love
Since her divorce, Ali Wong has found love again with actor Bill Hader. The pair briefly dated in 2022 before reconnecting and confirming their relationship in April 2023, shortly after her split from Hakuta. While Wong has moved on romantically, she continues to express gratitude for Hakuta’s presence in her life, both as the father of her children and as her biggest supporter.
At the 2024 Golden Globe Awards, where Wong was honored for her role in Beef, she publicly thanked Hakuta in her acceptance speech. “I really need to thank the father of my children and my best friend, Justin, for all of your love and support,” she said, highlighting the mutual respect and friendship they continue to share.
Ali Wong’s Comedic Take on Marriage and Divorce
Throughout her career, Wong has made countless references to her relationship with Hakuta in her stand-up shows. Her specials, including Baby Cobra and Hard Knock Wife, feature jokes about their marriage, family life, and the trials of being a working mother. While her comedy often touches on the challenges of their relationship, it also reflects the deep connection and love they shared.
In Don Wong, she joked about wanting to cheat on Hakuta but not having the financial means to go through with a divorce. “I need my husband way more than he needs me,” she joked, underscoring the reality of many couples who stay together for practical reasons. But now, with her career flourishing and her personal life evolving, Wong has embraced her independence.
Conclusion: A New Adventure for Ali Wong
Ali Wong’s divorce from Justin Hakuta wasn’t the end of her story, but rather the beginning of a new chapter. She has found strength in their friendship, continues to be a loving mother to their daughters, and is navigating life with a fresh perspective. Divorce, for Wong, wasn’t the final note in her relationship with Hakuta—it was the prelude to new adventures, new relationships, and a deeper understanding of herself.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Why did Ali Wong and Justin Hakuta divorce?
Ali Wong and Justin Hakuta divorced in December 2023 after more than eight years of marriage. Wong has said the decision was right for her journey, and the two remain close friends despite their separation.
2. How did Ali Wong and Justin Hakuta meet?
The couple met at a friend’s wedding reception in 2010. They quickly developed a connection, leading to their marriage in 2014.
3. Are Ali Wong and Justin Hakuta still friends?
Yes, Ali Wong and Justin Hakuta have maintained a close friendship despite their divorce. Wong has expressed gratitude for their relationship and emphasized the importance of their bond as co-parents to their two daughters.
4. What did Ali Wong say about her divorce?
Wong has shared that her divorce was not a sad ending, but rather the beginning of many new adventures, including her friendship with Hakuta.
5. Who is Ali Wong dating now?
Ali Wong is currently in a relationship with actor Bill Hader. The couple briefly dated in 2022 and reconnected after Wong’s separation from Hakuta. They confirmed their relationship in April 2023.