The artist spoke about her state of mind after more than one year of resolving her divorce from her British husband, David Duffy. She was officially granted custody of her two daughters after winning the case on 6/5.

- What were your emotions after the appeals court issued its final ruling?

- I smiled brightly at the judges. I felt as if one of the binding ties had been cut. But envisioning the journey ahead, the pressure remains, so I immediately shifted to a focused state to prepare for my life with my two daughters. For a long time, every day has been a battle for me. I had to collect evidence, think about court dates, and feel disheartened every time a hearing was postponed. I often suffered from insomnia due to stress but had to maintain composure to be a pillar of support for my children.

- How do you feel you have changed after your marriage upheaval?

- I feel more resilient, stronger, but also gentler. I no longer have as many fears as I did during the period of severe anxiety disorder before. This is because I have been through so much, placed in difficult situations, yet I have endured, maintaining a happy life for my children and myself. I always motivate myself through every stage, preparing myself with knowledge to face everything. Additionally, my colleagues have supported me professionally and emotionally.

- Looking back at your marriage with your ex-husband, what do you regret the most?

- I only want to talk about what I have gained: my two children, mental strength, compassion, and the knowledge I have acquired to improve my life and my children's lives. Currently, I only want to build a new life freely with my two children without any obstacles from anyone. I will arrange my ex-husband's visitation based on prioritizing my children's optimal development and stable routines, while also ensuring compliance with the court's ruling.

I once received much criticism for sharing my story. But I continue to share because I hope it reaches others in similar circumstances, giving them more strength and faith.

The actress with Lina, eight years old (left), and Mia (two years old). Photo: Character provided

- How have your two daughters, especially Lina, reacted to the recent changes in your family life?

- Mia is still young, only two years old, so she remains innocent and carefree. Lina, nearly 8 years old, has experienced significant emotional pressure; she used to be irritable, withdrawn, and did not express her thoughts or feelings. I spent much time with her, listening, sharing, and helping her identify emotions, helping her expand her circle of good friends, allowing her to be safe as herself, and to speak her mind. Thanks to this, she has gradually stabilized, smiles more, and can express care for her mother, sister, and friends.

After the appeals verdict, I told her: "You once said you didn't want to go to court again, and mom kept her promise. The court has decided that mom will take care of you and Mia. You two will grow up in this house. We will be together forever". Hearing her mother's announcement, she cheered and said: "I like being with mom and Mia".

Actress Lan Phuong at 43 years old. Photo: Character provided

- How do you allocate your time between caring for your children, managing your business, and pursuing artistic activities?

- During times of intense pressure, my brain would freeze or become exhausted. Sometimes, so many burdens would pile up that I would just sit on the floor and cry to release the tension. At those times, I allowed myself to rest completely, something I never did before, to regain the energy to get up, smile, and move forward. Every day, I flexibly adjust my schedule according to my work and my children's study schedules. However, no matter what, I ensure my two children's eating, sleeping, and daily routines, and make time to read and play with them.

- What are your thoughts on a new relationship in the future, now that your life has gradually stabilized?

- I still hope for sincere, kind love. If it comes, it will be happiness; if not, I will still embrace myself and my children to build the best possible life. I truly want to believe in love, and when I am tired, I always wish for someone to lean on to feel less weary, but it is not easy to find. This is because my perception of people has changed. I now evaluate based on actions, no longer easily trusting words.

Lan Phuong was born in 1983 in Hanoi and moved to TP HCM with her family during high school. She graduated from Foreign Trade University, Campus two, and Ho Chi Minh City University of Stage and Cinema. The actress is famous for films such as Ugly Girl (2008), White Angel Girls (2009), Saigon Commando Children (2010), A Lifetime of Grudges (2017), Daughter-in-Law Order, and Love the Sunny Day. She also appeared in feature films like Scandal (2012), Bride War two (2013), The Girl from Yesterday (2017), Glorious May (2018), and Tet in Hell Village (2023).

Last july, she announced filing for divorce from her British husband David Duffy after seven years of marriage. In 9/2025, she was granted custody of her two children by a court ruling, but her ex-husband later filed an appeal, requesting custody of the children.

Ha Thu