Behind The Phillippe, Witherspoon Split

The much-publicized and much-speculated separation between Ryan Phillippe and Reese Witherspoon allegedly can be traced back to a fight.

Many people witnessed the two exchanging words at an after-party for the premiere of Phillippe's new movie, "Flags of Our Fathers."

"A lot of people saw the fight, but it was overblown in the press," The Early Show entertainment contributor Jess Cagle said Wednesday. "It was not a knock-down, drag-out fight, but there was this tension between the two of them. For a lot of people who witnessed that, the announcement does not come as a surprise."

According to Cagle Phillippe wanted to stay at the party — but Witherspoon, who won a best actress Oscar for "Walk the Line," wanted to go. The bigger story, Cagle said, is the allegations that Phillippe cheated on Witherspoon.

"A lot of the stories are that he had dinner with one of his co-stars in Austin, Texas, while filming," Cagle said. "There are reports they were doing all kinds of inappropriate things in the restaurant. In fact, they just had dinner. However, was it a good idea for him to be out at dinner with another woman while married? And he's been known to hit the clubs. But a lot of the reports are overblown."

The couple did not file for divorce, but has formally separated. Witherspoon talked openly about going to marriage counseling, and Cagle said there have been many rumors of trouble in the marriage.

"But when they talked about going to therapy, they did not because something is wrong but (they) want to keep it healthy and going," he said.

Cagle said Phillippe's mother is devastated, and the Phillippe family is very close with the Witherspoons.

"His mother said they are in mourning and very worried about the two kids," Cagle said.

Many people have speculated that Witherspoon's success — her Academy Award and recently becoming the highest-paid actress in the industry — has placed tension on the marriage. Nut Cagle said Phillippe is a respected actor in his own right.

"He was in reality proud of her and independent of her," he said. "I wonder if the idea that he was jealous of her is something the press made up. But it cannot be easy married to one of the most famous women in the world."