So, if you’ve been keeping up with the Culpo sisters—the modern-day Rhode Island version of the Kardashians—you probably know Aurora. She’s the eldest, the one who’s always been super candid on their reality show and her podcast. But honestly, for a long time, the biggest question mark in her life wasn’t about her sisters' high-profile boyfriends; it was about her own marriage.
People are constantly Googling Aurora Culpo ex-husband because, let’s be real, the way that relationship ended was... complicated. His name is Michael "Mikey" Bortone, and if he looks familiar, it’s probably because he wasn't just a "plus one" to the Culpo fame. He had his own brush with reality TV long before The Culpo Sisters was even a thing.
Who Exactly Is Michael "Mikey" Bortone?
Before the drama and the divorce, Michael Bortone was actually known as a contestant on Survivor. He competed on Survivor: Micronesia—Fans vs. Favorites back in 2008. He didn’t win, but he definitely made an impression.
Mikey and Aurora were together for quite a while. They got married in 2014, and for years, they seemed like the rock of the family. They have two kids together—Remi and Solei. You’ve probably seen them on Instagram looking like the perfect little family. But as we eventually found out, things behind the scenes were anything but perfect.
The Hall Pass That Shocked Everyone
When The Culpo Sisters premiered on TLC/Discovery+, Aurora dropped a total bombshell. She admitted that she had given Mikey a "yearly hall pass." Basically, she allowed him to be with other people once a year.
Yeah, you read that right.
Aurora’s logic at the time was kinda unique. She thought that by giving him permission, it would take away the "thrill" of cheating and actually protect their marriage. She felt like it was better to be honest about human nature. But, as she later realized, it didn't really work out the way she planned. It’s one of those things that sounds progressive in theory but ends up being incredibly painful in practice.
Why They Actually Split Up
Aurora filed for divorce in April 2022. While the "hall pass" situation was the big headline, the actual split seemed to stem from a deeper lack of trust. On the show, Aurora was pretty open about the fact that the relationship had become toxic. She realized she was trying to "fix" something that was fundamentally broken.
The divorce wasn't just a clean break, either. It played out right as they were filming, which meant viewers saw the raw, messy aftermath. It's tough watching someone realize their decade-long relationship is over while cameras are shoved in their face.
Co-Parenting in 2026: The New Normal
Fast forward to today, and the vibe has shifted significantly. Aurora and Mikey are deep into the world of co-parenting. Honestly, it hasn't always been easy. Aurora has been vocal on her Barely Filtered podcast about the "tit-for-tat" that happens between exes.
She recently talked about how easy it is to fall into a pattern of waiting for the other person to mess up just so you can feel "right." It’s a very human, very relatable struggle. They’re currently navigating the "balancing act" of raising Remi and Solei while moving on with their own lives.
Life After Mikey: Where Is Aurora Now?
If you're wondering if she's still single, the answer is a big nope. Aurora moved on and found love again. She recently got engaged to her boyfriend, Zac, during a romantic trip to Paris. And the biggest news? She’s currently pregnant and expecting her third child—her first with Zac.
It feels like a total 180 from the stress of her first marriage. While Mikey is still in the picture as a father, the "Aurora and Mikey" chapter is officially closed.
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The Reality of Moving On
If you're going through something similar or just following the drama, there are a few real-world takeaways from Aurora's story:
- Boundaries matter: Radical experiments like "hall passes" usually don't save a marriage if the foundation of trust isn't there.
- Co-parenting is a job: It requires putting ego aside, which is way harder than it looks on a 30-second Instagram reel.
- It's okay to start over: Whether you're 25 or 35, life doesn't end after a divorce. Aurora is proof that you can find a completely different kind of happiness in your next chapter.
The saga of Aurora Culpo ex-husband Michael Bortone is a reminder that even the most "perfect" influencer lives have some pretty messy basements. But at the end of the day, being honest about the mess is what actually makes her relatable.
What to do next: If you're following Aurora's journey, keep an eye on her podcast Barely Filtered. She usually drops the most honest details there long before they hit the news cycles. If you're navigating your own co-parenting situation, remember that the "tit-for-tat" game has no winners—focusing on the kids' routine is usually the only way to stay sane.