In September 2023, Darren Hayes initiated divorce proceedings against his longtime partner and husband, Richard Cullen, after 17 years of marriage. The divorce was officially concluded in 2024. What led to this decision? Irreconcilable differences.
In his new memoir “Unlovable,” Darren opens up about the emotional toll the divorce took on him, the profound grief he felt from losing his mother, and the struggles of his challenging childhood; however, this narrative ultimately concludes on a positive note. At the end of the book, there’s a passage that illustrates how fate intervened, leading Darren to his new love, Heriberto, affectionately known as Heri.
Here is an excerpt from Darren’s new book about their initial encounter:
“I’m walking my dog, Huxley, down the street and he’s even more stubborn to lead the way than usual. I’m several blocks from where I live, in a part of the neighbourhood I don’t often visit, but my friend has just started managing a cool, hip café so I’m going to check it out and say hello. Huxley seems determined to walk up to someone ahead. I don’t see so well with my contacts in, but I make out the shape of a tall, dark and broad-shouldered man. Oh my God. Huxley pulls away from me and the leash leaves my hand like a lost fishing line over a trawler. Up he jumps in slow motion, his Muppet-like fur twisting and turning in all directions, as he hugs this total stranger.
I see the man clearly now. He’s seems so . . . kind. That’s the word. Kind. I think of the George Michael song, ‘Jesus to a Child’. The man smiles at me just like that.‘Sorry!’ I say. ‘He’s friendly!’ ‘No, no, it’s okay, he’s adorable. What’s his name?’ The man has the most beautiful Latin-tinged accent. I’m not oblivious to the fact that he’s also gorgeous. ‘Huxley,’ I blurt out. Our eyes lock and it’s like we’ve known each other for a lifetime. We talk about my dog but we’re really just looking at each other. There’s a clear connection. With zero trepidation and no evidence this man is gay, I say, ‘We should grab lunch sometime.’ He smiles and says, ‘I’d love that.’ We exchange numbers and I walk away, pulling Huxley, who definitely does not want to leave.
I’m smiling as I walk down the street. I haven’t smiled in a long time. I get to my house and realise, ‘Oh shit! I forgot to say hi to my friend! ’Oh well. Just another reason to lurk around that part of the
neighbourhood again.”
Here is the post from when Darren took to Instagram to officially introduce his fans to his new partner, Heriberto:
And… here is another cute Instagram post Darren shared about Heriberto:
Kristin’s thoughts: Although the divorce brought me sadness for Darren, I am genuinely thrilled to witness him discovering love once more, as he truly deserves every bit of love, joy, and tranquility that this world has to give. Here’s to a radiant future for both of them!