Michelle Branch Files for Divorce From the Black Keys’ Patrick Carney

Branch is asking for child support and primary custody of their two children. She was arrested for domestic assault, reportedly for slapping Carney, the same day she announced their breakup.
Patrick Carney and Michelle Branch
Patrick Carney and Michelle Branch, October 2016 (Monica Schipper/Getty Images)

Michelle Branch filed for divorce from her husband, Patrick Carney of the Black Keys, on Friday in Davidson County, Tennessee following their public split last week, the Los Angeles Times reports. In a court filing, she reportedly cited “irreconcilable differences” and sought child support and primary custody of their 6-month-old daughter and 4-year-old son. The document notes that she will allow “reasonable parenting” time and is seeking legal fees. Pitchfork has reached out to Branch and Carney’s representatives.

On Thursday, August 11, Branch accused Carney of cheating in a since-deleted tweet. She later shared a statement announcing that she and Carney were separating. “To say that I am totally devastated doesn’t even come close to describing how I feel for myself and for my family,” she wrote. “The rug has been completely pulled from underneath me and now I must figure out how to move forward.”

It was later reported on August 12 that Branch had been arrested and booked for domestic assault earlier in the day on August 11. She was released on $1,000 bond the same day. The arrest reportedly occurred after Branch told police that she slapped Carney in the face “one to two times.” Carney also reportedly told police that Branch had slapped him, but he did not have visible injuries.