By Stig Editor Dan Reynolds Reveals the Real Reason Behind His Divorce: “I Was Betrayed”
June 18, 2025
In a candid and emotionally charged interview, Imagine Dragons frontman Dan Reynolds has opened up about the painful truth behind his highly publicized divorce, saying for the first time, “I was betrayed.”
For years, Reynolds and his ex-wife — musician and former actress Aja Volkman — were regarded as a power couple in the music world. Despite multiple breakups and reconciliations over the years, many fans hoped the two would ultimately find their way back to each other. But in this new interview, Dan puts speculation to rest and sheds light on the heartbreak that ultimately led to the end.
“We tried. God, we tried,” Reynolds said in a sit-down with Rolling Stone. “But in the end, I realized I wasn’t just hurt — I was betrayed. And once trust is broken at that level, it’s nearly impossible to rebuild.”
Though he didn’t go into graphic detail, Reynolds alluded to emotional infidelity and deep-seated dishonesty that went unresolved. “Love doesn’t survive without truth. No matter how much history you share, how many kids you have, how deep the connection runs — without trust, it all collapses.”
Reynolds and Volkman, who share four children together, had previously made headlines in 2018 when they announced their separation, only to reconcile months later. In 2022, Dan confirmed they had split again but remained co-parents and friends. At the time, both were tight-lipped about the reasons.
This latest revelation, however, marks a turning point in Dan’s public narrative. He admitted that staying silent for so long was part of trying to “protect the kids and keep things peaceful,” but said it ultimately came at the cost of his own healing.
“I’ve carried a lot of guilt for things I didn’t even do,” he said. “But I’m done with silence. I’m done pretending everything was mutual. It wasn’t.”
Despite the emotional weight of the conversation, Reynolds emphasized that he harbors no hatred. “I’ve forgiven her,” he said. “Forgiveness isn’t about saying what happened was okay. It’s about freeing yourself from the burden of bitterness.”
The singer revealed that much of his upcoming solo music has been inspired by the heartbreak and self-discovery that followed the divorce. “These new songs — they’re raw, maybe too raw. But they’re honest. And that’s where I’m at now.”
Fans have responded with overwhelming support, praising Reynolds for his vulnerability and courage. One Twitter user wrote, “Dan Reynolds talking about betrayal and healing is one of the realest things I’ve heard from an artist in a long time.”
As Reynolds moves forward — both as a father and an artist — his message is clear: “Sometimes the people closest to you can hurt you the most. But you don’t have to stay broken. You can walk away. You can rebuild.”
Dan Reynolds’ new solo album, rumored to be titled Echoes of Silence, is expected to drop later this year.