Prague – Influencer Ornella Koktová announced her divorce from businessman Josef Kokta during her 33rd birthday celebration on Monday, leaving guests at the event in shock and prompting questions about the abrupt departure of the birthday celebrant herself. The announcement, made at a party following the premiere of the first episode of her docuseries, Ornella Life, was delivered via Instagram, with Koktová stating simply, “Today I am 33 years old and at the same time one stage of my life has ended with a divorce.”
The unexpected news was followed by an equally unexpected exit, according to Jan Bendig, a singer and long-time friend of Koktová, who was present at the event. Bendig described the scene to eXtra.cz, noting that Koktová left the party through a back entrance immediately after the announcement, leaving behind unopened gifts. “When I appear over there, they’re still lying there. I even see mine,” Bendig said, confirming that guests’ presents remained unclaimed.
Koktová’s announcement comes after 14 years of marriage, as reported by iDNES.cz. The couple share three children together. She directed followers to her website, www.ornellalife.cz, for further details, stating she needed to be with her children and would not be providing further comment at the event.
The reaction to the announcement has been mixed. Eva Decastelo, a Czech actress and presenter, offered support to Koktová via Instagram, writing, “Hold on everyone.” Decastelo herself has experienced a relationship separation, having temporarily separated from her husband René before reconciling.
However, not all responses were supportive. Some commenters expressed sympathy for Josef Kokta, with one individual writing, according to Blesk.cz, “Poor Pepa… he took care of the whole household, the children, the house and the family just so that Orny could fulfill her dreams… and how did it end up?” Another commenter criticized Koktová for what they perceived as a lack of transparency, stating that the couple had cultivated an image of a happy marriage and should have been more open about any difficulties.
Bendig characterized the situation as reminiscent of American marketing tactics, suggesting Koktová’s actions were carefully orchestrated. “I reckon she has some American marketer, because this only happens in America or in movies,” he told eXtra.cz. He noted the timing of the announcement, coinciding with the premiere of her docuseries and the presence of numerous media representatives.
As of Tuesday, February 23, 2026, neither Koktová nor Kokta have issued further public statements regarding the divorce. The next episode of Ornella Life is scheduled for release on February 26, 2026, and may provide further insight into the circumstances surrounding the separation.
