Avril Lavigne and Brody Jenner: A Look Back at Their 2-Year Romance
Once upon a time, he was a boy, she was a girl … an unexpected pair, indeed. Yet, singer Avril Lavigne and reality star Brody Jenner were quite serious about each other for a couple of years — so serious, in fact, that they even inked matching tattoos.
As Jenner prepares to marry surfer Tia Blanco this weekend (Saturday, July 12) and marks the 15th anniversary of the The Hills finale, let’s explore why they made things so complicated …
How it Began
It was 2010, and these two icons of the L.A. party scene — and what a scene it was — were spotted sharing a kiss at a nightclub. Lavigne, 25 at the time, was finalizing her divorce from Sum 41’s Deryck Whibley following their split in 2009. Meanwhile, Jenner, 26, was reveling in the single life, often linked to his The Hills co-stars and other Hollywood elite.
In a case of life mirroring art (because “Sk8r Boi” is art, right?), Lavigne appeared a bit more alternative than Jenner’s usual type, but that didn’t stop him from matching his skinny ties to the vibrant green streaks in her hair.
How Long it Lasted
This was far from a casual romance; they were together for two full years. Those years were anything but dull: they went on double dates with Kim Kardashian and Kris Humphries, enjoyed paddle-boarding in Malibu, hit the karaoke scene in Vegas, and even found themselves in a bar fight at L.A.’s Roosevelt Hotel, leading Jenner to file a police report for assault with a deadly weapon. Lavigne remarked, “My face is f***ed,” on Twitter, adding, “As in, black eye, bloody nose, hair ripped out, scratches, bruises, and cuts. So not OK to be abusive to others. Violence is NEVER the answer.”
Moreover, Jenner was a constant support for Lavigne during her musical endeavors, cheering her on at concerts and public appearances.
Their love was solidified with tattoos: in April 2010, just months into their relationship, they got matching lightning bolt tattoos (Jenner’s on his neck, Lavigne’s on her wrist). They continued the trend, also getting “F***” — Lavigne’s favorite word at the time — inked on their ribcages, and even each other’s names: yes, Lavigne had “Brody” tattooed beneath her breast. Such are the things that young, rich, famous lovebirds do!
How it Ended
By January 2012, whispers of trouble in paradise began to circulate. Initially, they denied the rumors — Jenner tweeted, “It really upsets me to read all the FALSE!! stories. Avril has always been there for me and is the closest person to my heart. I love her” — and were seen dining together, but eventually, it was confirmed: they had split.
“It was mutual, but Brody really broke up with her,” a source shared with Us Weekly at the time. “He mentioned he was tired of always being her plus-one and constantly touring with her.” The insider added, “Every time he tried to return to meetings to revive his career, she insisted he travel to Asia and Europe. He hasn’t worked, and wants to. They were both unhappy because he wanted his career. She wanted him to stay with her.”
Despite the challenges, they maintained a friendship — a pattern for Lavigne with her exes. “I’ve had really great relationships and good connections and bonds,” she shared with SiriusXM in 2019.
What They Said About Each Other
Jenner’s The Hills co-star Audrina Patridge also chimed in during a 2010 interview, stating, “They’re very happy together, they’re really good together. A lovely couple. I first met her a couple of years ago, and thought she was such a nice girl then. She’s still a really nice girl now and is truly talented.”
What They Say Now
Much like MySpace and peplum dresses, this relationship seems to have faded into obscurity, with neither party discussing it much since its end, likely due to their more serious relationships since then.
In reflection, the relationship framed Lavigne’s two marriages: first to Chad Kroeger from 2013 to 2015, then to Mod Sun (they got engaged) and then with Tyga, whom she separated from in 2023. “I love love,” she told Billboard in 2018. “To me, I’ve married my long-terms.”
Jenner’s journey involved dating Kaitlynn Carter from 2014 to 2019 (though they had a commitment ceremony in Bali, they weren’t legally married), before getting engaged to surfer Tia Blanco in 2023 and welcoming daughter Honey Raye. Their wedding is planned for July 12, 2025.
Key Relationship Takeaways
During their two wild and adventurous years together, they surely had a blast, but they have since taken different paths. Now, at 41, Jenner refers to fatherhood as the “greatest gift,” and he’s clearly a devoted dad to Honey Raye, while Lavigne, at 40, has expressed she’s not ready for children.
It seems Jenner’s professional struggles continue. “People still ask, ‘Wait, you DJ?’” he told Bustle in 2025. “People only want to see me as Brody from The Hills; they never consider that I can do anything else, which is frustrating sometimes. There’s a lot more I can offer.”
