Hollywood Rivals Reunite at Star-Studded Party
In a surprising turn of events that has captivated entertainment followers, Jerry O'Connell and John Stamos have publicly declared peace in their years-long feud concerning Rebecca Romijn. The reconciliation occurred during Howie Mandel's lavish 70th birthday celebration over the weekend, where the former rivals posed together in a photograph that has since set social media alight.
The 51-year-old O'Connell shared a cheerful snapshot featuring himself alongside his wife's former husband, 62-year-old Stamos, and Stamos's current wife, 39-year-old Caitlin McHugh. All three appeared genuinely happy in the image, signalling a significant thaw in what had been a frosty relationship spanning nearly two decades.
From Bitter Words to Friendly Banter
O'Connell demonstrated their newfound amicability with a witty caption that read: 'Gorgeous fam and gorgeous people.' He further highlighted the unexpected nature of their reconciliation by drawing parallels to other famous rivalries, joking: 'First @zohrankmamdani and @realdonaldtrump Then me and @johnstamos You are up @russian_kremlin & zelenskyy_official.'
The background to this feud traces back to Stamos's 2023 memoir, 'If You Would Have Told Me,' where he described feeling 'emasculated' during his marriage to Romijn as her career began overshadowing his. The Full House alumnus wrote candidly about their relationship dynamics, stating: 'As I'm lifting Rebecca up, I'm losing myself. She makes it clear that I'm the TV guy and she's the newly minted star... Somewhere deep inside, I start to believe it.'
Stamos and Romijn's union lasted from 1998 to 2005, with Romijn meeting O'Connell while still married to Stamos, though O'Connell has consistently maintained that 'no shenanigans happened' during that period.
Memoir Fallout and Public Reactions
The publication of Stamos's memoir created significant waves, with Romijn expressing that his recollections had 'blindsided' her. She told Entertainment Tonight in January: 'I was very surprised by all of that, incredibly shocked actually. I was sort of blindsided by it.'
O'Connell didn't hold back his disapproval either, quipping about the memoir: 'People gotta make a living, I guess.' This public criticism had further strained relations between the two men until their recent reconciliation.
Stamos had previously been remarkably open about his bitterness following the divorce, telling People magazine: 'In my mind back then, she was the Devil, and I just hated her. I couldn't believe how much I hated her, and it ruined my life.' He described the divorce as 'shattering' and admitted the feelings of animosity persisted for years.
The actor later gained perspective through Alcoholics Anonymous, realising: 'Oh, she wasn't the Devil. Maybe I was as much to blame as her.' Despite the controversy surrounding his memoir, Stamos maintained he had no regrets about being truthful in his writing.
Celebrations and Public Approval
The public display of friendship between O'Connell and Stamos has been met with overwhelming approval from fans and fellow celebrities alike. Birthday host Howie Mandel commented beneath the post: 'This is what I do. I bring people together. You're welcome.'
Social media responses reflected widespread delight at the reconciliation. One follower wrote: 'Peace at last,' while another exclaimed: 'Omgggggg this was NOT in my 2025 bingo card.' Actress Tawny Newsome simply commented: 'Jerry. This caption.'
Other enthusiastic responses included: 'Jerry this is diabolical and we love it,' and 'Oh Jerry, you're tooooo funny. O'Connell & Stamos - like a buddy cop film.' The consensus among followers was clear: they were 'Loving this for you two.'
Romijn moved forward from her marriage to Stamos by wedding O'Connell just two years after her divorce in 2007. The couple have maintained a strong relationship since, with O'Connell recalling their first meeting at the Maxim Hot 100 bash in 2004: 'I met my wife and her ex John Stamos at a party when they were married. I remember thinking, "Wow, this girl is really beautiful and funny."'
Despite the initial amicable separation between Stamos and Romijn, tensions resurfaced years later through Stamos's literary revelations. However, the recent photographic evidence from Mandel's party suggests that time has indeed healed old wounds, bringing a peaceful resolution to one of Hollywood's more enduring personal conflicts.
