James Haven with his father, Jon Voight, and sister, Angelina Jolie | Source: Getty Images
Romi Imbelli and James Haven: A Long-Lasting Bond
Romi Imbelli has known James Haven for over 23 years before they tied the knot. Their marriage brought their long-standing relationship into the spotlight, but it only scratches the surface of their story.
Before marrying Haven, Imbelli had already appeared on television, became a mother, and started documenting her personal life. Two years later, she would openly discuss how her relationship with Angelina Jolie’s brother had developed.
An Actress
Romi Imbelli, formerly known as Romi Klinger, was born on January 8, 1982, in California, according to IMDb.
Her IMDb profile lists “Sheltered,” “The Real L Word,” and “Shahs of Sunset” among her well-known projects.
Imbelli appeared as herself in 12 episodes of Showtime’s “The Real L Word” from 2011 to 2012 and made a guest appearance on Bravo’s “Shahs of Sunset” in 2014.
Additionally, IMDb credits her in the makeup department for the film “Sheltered,” released in 2010.
These appearances occurred many years prior to her relationship becoming the focus of public attention alongside James Haven, who is an actor, director, and the older brother of Angelina Jolie.
Marriage to James Haven
Imbelli and Haven got married on August 12, 2024, at Laguna Beach, California, as reported by Just Jared. Jon Voight, Haven’s father, attended the ceremony, while Angelina Jolie was absent.
“In 2024, I married my best friend of 23 years,” Imbelli stated, adding that she isn’t ready to disclose all the details about their relationship yet. “The specifics of our story are too personal and complicated to share at this time, but I’m documenting everything in my book,” she explained.
The couple celebrated their wedding day with just their parents, planning a larger celebration for later. “Our wedding day was intimate, just us and our parents exchanging vows, and we plan to have a bigger party later,” Imbelli shared.
According to Imbelli’s account, Haven proposed to her in front of her late father’s grave. “I believe he is watching over us from above and smiling,” she remarked.
Unfortunately, the couple had their first argument as newlyweds the following day. “Sadly, we had a blazing argument the next day,” Imbelli told Just Jared.
When the website covered their marriage in January 2025, Imbelli mentioned that she and Haven had reconciled after months of reflection and healing. She also hinted at planning a celebration where her daughter would be present.
“I feel liberated and ready to reconnect with my husband and our home in Los Angeles. Everything that happened over the past months was part of a bigger plan, and I trust God’s timing. I will always hold 2024 close to my heart. Life is too short. Get out and enjoy it,” Imbelli expressed during that time.
Marriage Lasted Just 15 Days
Imbelli filed for annulment of her marriage on August 27, 2024, exactly 15 days after their wedding, according to court records obtained by People.
“After careful consideration, I have decided to move forward with the annulment of my marriage to James Haven. As indicated in public documents, the stipulation remains fraud,” Imbelli stated to the magazine. She did not disclose what she meant by that fraud in her statement.
“This was a very personal and difficult decision, but I believe it is necessary for my well-being,” she added. “I thank those who supported me, and for now, I want to move forward with peace and clarity.”
She indicated she would elaborate on this marriage in her upcoming memoir.
“I find healing through this process by putting my truth in writing in my memoir, where I will detail this chapter of my life and the journey that brought me here,” she explained.
She is a Mother to a Daughter
According to Just Jared, Imbelli has a daughter with chef Charles Imbelli, who is one of her former husbands, along with musician Dusty Ray.
Her Instagram features several posts about her daughter, including a summery post where Imbelli and her daughter posed together, both wearing sunglasses. Imbelli flashed a peace sign while her daughter wore a bright pink jacket.
“We’re heading home by the ocean! Summer vacation! Mother-daughter style! 🌊✈️,” Imbelli wrote, followed by a quote from Ms. Flax: “Do nothing I wouldn’t do. Or do nothing I would do!”
Another Instagram post showed Imbelli alongside her daughter in a close-up. This time, her caption explained how becoming a mother transformed her view on love.
“I spent my entire life chasing love in all the wrong places. Then I became a mom, and I finally understood what it was supposed to feel like. God truly knew what he was doing. Chapter 9 is live,” she shared.
She Supported Her Ex-Husband After He Came Out
Haven publicly came out as gay during a live video with Imbelli on his Substack, as reported by Page Six. During the stream, he explained that he confided in Imbelli following the annulment of their marriage in March 2025.
Haven shared that he had recognized some aspects of his identity since childhood but lacked the words to articulate them back then. He recalled being “completely obsessed with Disney princesses” as a young boy, noting that those interests helped him feel more authentic.
“It was never about pretending to be someone else,” Haven declared on the newsletter platform. “It was about allowing a part of myself to express itself that had always been there.”
He added that coming out “is not about becoming someone else” but rather “allowing everyone to meet the person that has always been there.”
Haven expressed hope that his family and others would react to his coming out with love, understanding, and acceptance, instead of judgment or fear.
Imbelli supported Haven during the live stream and mentioned she had suspected he was gay even before he disclosed it to her.
“I didn’t want to see it. I didn’t want to believe it,” she said. “I knew and wanted to support and love you, but then I didn’t want to believe it because that would mean losing you as you are, which I couldn’t do.”
She explained that she experienced a real “internal struggle” trying to support Haven while questioning her perceptions of their relationship. Despite the end of their marriage, Imbelli stated she still anticipated that he would be a part of her life.
“We’re going to share our lives together,” she said to Haven. “You’re not just a close friend. You’re my love. And it just so happens that you’re gay.”
Imbelli also addressed Haven’s coming out in an Instagram post. The accompanying image promoted “Secret Chapter 21 – Two Souls Finally Free,” from her writing project, featuring the phrase: “Twenty-two years of questions. And finally, an answer.”
In the caption, Imbelli expressed, “More than 50 years hiding who you are has spanned a lifetime. Watching someone I love finally live in accordance with his truth is one of the most beautiful things I have ever witnessed. I just wish it hadn’t taken so long. But I’m grateful we get to live the rest of our lives in freedom. 🤍”
She shared more about their relationship in another Instagram reel, explaining how writing “Breathe Mija” helped her heal and brought Haven back into her life as her best friend. “This story has never been solely mine. It was ours,” she wrote.
Imbelli also touched on her role in Haven’s revelation about his sexuality. “I wasn’t there to disclose the orientation of someone I love. I was there to help someone free themselves. There’s a distinction. In return, he freed me,” she explained.
She stated that forgiveness, kindness, and unconditional love helped them reach this point. Imbelli urged readers to show compassion for Haven as he begins to live openly as a gay man.
“Love doesn’t always fit the boxes we are taught to place it in. Sometimes it transforms,” Imbelli expressed. “Sometimes it changes form. Sometimes it asks us to let go of what we envisioned so we can embrace the truth.”
Imbelli concluded her message by explaining how she now describes Haven since their marriage ended: “I will always love him. But not as his wife, rather as a family member, my best friend, and one of the great loves of my life.
