The relationship between Scott Disick and Kourtney Kardashian remains one of reality television’s most heartbreaking love stories. For nearly a decade, fans watched their tumultuous romance unfold on Keeping Up with the Kardashians, witnessing flashes of genuine affection interspersed with gut-wrenching betrayals and public meltdowns. Their story began in 2006 at a house party in Mexico hosted by Girls Gone Wild creator Joe Francis, sparking a nine-year roller-coaster of passion, pain, and, ultimately, permanent separation.
What made this relationship so compelling was not merely the glamorous backdrop of the Kardashian empire, but the raw, unfiltered glimpse it provided into two people struggling to build a stable family while battling personal demons. Scott, four years younger than Kourtney, initially faced rejection—she “wanted nothing to do” with him—but undeniable chemistry drew them together. The bond would survive multiple break-ups, three children, and countless scandals, turning their lives into a cautionary tale about love, addiction, and the price of fame.
Despite welcoming Mason (2009), Penelope (2012), and Reign (2014), the couple never escaped the destructive patterns that plagued their partnership. The final split in July 2015 marked the end of an era, leaving millions wondering what truly went wrong. To understand their breakup, we need to examine the deeper issues that ultimately proved insurmountable.
THE EARLY YEARS: A ROCKY FOUNDATION
Meeting and Initial Struggles
Scott Disick and Kourtney Kardashian’s relationship began with immediate friction that foreshadowed future turmoil. When they met in 2006, the attraction was strong but complicated. Early seasons of Keeping Up with the Kardashians captured Scott’s party-hard lifestyle and immature antics, which quickly clashed with Kourtney’s more grounded approach and her close-knit family’s concerns.
First Major Break-Up: The Cheating Scandal
The first serious crack appeared in March 2008, during Season 2 of the show. Kourtney discovered text messages on Scott’s phone from someone labeled “my wife,” leading her to believe he had cheated while partying in the Hamptons. Crushed, she told him, “Unless you can be honest, I have no reason to talk to you again.” This moment established a pattern of suspected infidelity that would haunt their relationship for years.
THE SUBSTANCE-ABUSE PROBLEM: THE REAL DEAL-BREAKER
Scott’s Battle with Alcohol and Drugs
Although infidelity generated tabloid headlines, Kourtney later revealed that Scott’s substance-abuse issues were the primary reason for their ultimate split. During the 2021 KUWTK reunion, she confessed, “The infidelity, I only knew about it at the end, so I think the substance abuse was the deal-breaker.”
Scott’s drinking and drug use escalated into increasingly erratic behavior. One of the most memorable incidents occurred in August 2010 on Kourtney and Kim Take Miami, when a drunken Scott punched a mirror in a rage. Kourtney responded, “I don’t know where this crazy anger comes from. It’s not okay.”
Multiple Rehab Attempts
Scott sought professional help several times:
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2014 — checked into rehab while Kourtney was pregnant with Reign.
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Early 2015 — entered a Costa Rica facility but left after a week.
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November 2015 — completed a month-long Malibu program.
Despite these efforts, sobriety never fully stuck, creating an unstable environment for their growing family.
THE PATTERN OF INFIDELITY
Multiple Betrayals Over the Years
Scott’s cheating was not a one-time mistake but a recurring theme that eroded Kourtney’s trust. The most public—and final—incident came in July 2015, when paparazzi photographed him on vacation in France with stylist Chloe Bartoli while Kourtney remained home with their children.
The fallout left Kourtney emotionally drained: “When I wake up, I feel sick. I’m on the verge of a mental breakdown.” For her, this proved Scott still could not prioritize family over his impulses, even after years of promises to change.
The Impact on Their Family
The constant cycle of betrayal and reconciliation took a toll on everyone. Kourtney realized that staying with Scott set a poor example. “He’s not being a good partner. I could never rely on him, and I don’t want to show my kids that’s okay,” she explained, underscoring her decision to end the relationship for good.
THE FINAL BREAK-UP: JULY 2015
The Point of No Return
After nine years and three children, Kourtney ended things in July 2015. While the Chloe Bartoli photos triggered the split, it was actually the culmination of years of broken promises and destructive behavior. “I love Scott, but I’ve been dealing with this for so long. It’s not good for me. I’m focusing on the kids,” she said, signaling a decisive end.
Kourtney’s Ultimatum
Sources reported that Kourtney had threatened to seek sole custody if Scott did not get sober. The ultimatum highlighted how serious the situation had become: Scott’s behavior now threatened not just their romance but the children’s well-being.
ATTEMPTS AT RECONCILIATION
Post-Break-Up Dynamics
Even after 2015, Scott and Kourtney appeared together frequently thanks to co-parenting and the family reality-show machine. At times, relatives nudged them to reconcile, and the pair briefly explored the idea. Scott admitted feeling that pressure: “The family puts a lot of pressure on Kourtney—more than on me—to get back together.” Ultimately, they recognized their core issues remained unresolved.
Scott’s Regrets
In subsequent years, Scott has expressed remorse. “Scott will always have regrets about how he treated Kourtney,” a source shared. He has tried to move on, accept his faults, and learn from mistakes, but the damage to their romance was permanent.
CO-PARENTING AND NEW RELATIONSHIPS
Successful Co-Parenting
Despite their past, Scott and Kourtney now maintain a respectful, healthy co-parenting arrangement. They split time with Mason, Penelope and Reign, and Scott remains welcome at family functions. Insiders describe the current dynamic as stable, not toxic—an impressive turnaround given their history.
Kourtney’s New Chapter
Kourtney has found lasting happiness with Blink-182 drummer Travis Barker, whom she married in May 2022. The relationship offers the stability and reliability she never consistently enjoyed with Scott, underscoring her personal growth and commitment to a healthier partnership model.
LESSONS FROM A COMPLICATED LOVE STORY
The breakup of Scott Disick and Kourtney Kardashian illustrates that love alone rarely sustains a relationship. Scott’s ongoing struggles with addiction and recurring infidelity created an environment incompatible with Kourtney’s desire for security. Their story highlights the importance of personal accountability, the destructive impact of substance abuse, and the bravery required to put children’s needs and personal well-being above romantic attachment.
Though their romance ended, their successful co-parenting shows that mutual respect and family bonds can survive even the most painful splits. For fans who followed their journey, the tale remains a complex narrative of love, loss, and the wisdom to know when to let go.
