Actress Ariel Winter and actor Luke Benward have ended their romantic relationship after dating for nearly six years [1].
The split marks the end of a long-term partnership between two high-profile entertainment figures who have maintained a public presence as a couple.
Winter confirmed the breakup on May 14, 2025, through an Instagram post [4]. While the public confirmation occurred in May, reports indicate the couple actually split in August 2025 [5].
Winter, who was 28 at the time of the breakup [6], said the transition from partners to friends was amicable. "We’re still friends and I love him as a person," Winter said [3]. She further described Benward as "still one of my best friends" [2].
Benward, 31 at the time of the separation [6], was not quoted directly in the confirmation but is described by Winter as someone she still supports. A source close to the couple said, "There’s tons of love still between them" [2].
The pair had been together for approximately five to six years [1]. Their decision to end the romantic aspect of their relationship was described as a mutual choice to prioritize their friendship over a romantic partnership [1, 2].
“"We’re still friends and I love him as a person."”
The transition from a long-term romantic relationship to a platonic friendship is a common narrative in celebrity breakups, often used to maintain a positive public image and avoid the scrutiny associated with acrimonious splits. By framing the separation as an amicable evolution of their bond, Winter and Benward mitigate potential tabloid speculation regarding the cause of the breakup.
