Lori Loughlin Had Dinner with James Tupper Just a Day Before Divorce News Broke

After photos surfaced of the outing, a media outlet provided context to the sighting, setting the record straight on the nature of the stars' relationship.

On Wednesday night, October 1, 2025, Hollywood stars Lori Loughlin and James Tupper were spotted out to dinner. The outing came a mere day before headlines erupted with news of Loughlin's shocking separation from husband Mossimo Giannulli, and years after Tupper's own split from his late former partner Anne Heche.

Lori Loughlin Spotted Dining with James Tupper at Hollywood Hot Spot

The pair were seen exiting The Bird Streets Club, a high-end West Hollywood haunt perched along the Sunset Strip. In the series of photos, Tupper appeared attentive and engaged as he comforted Loughlin, who reportedly looked upset, outside the venue.

Another moment captured the two in a warm embrace — a candid, extended hug that hinted at emotional vulnerability.

Just Friends or Something More?

Both stars kept their outfits casual — Tupper in a white shirt layered under a dark jacket, and Loughlin in wide-leg jeans and a black blazer. She also carried a quilted black handbag. Tupper stayed close by her side as they shared what appeared to be a supportive exchange just steps away from the valet stand.

Despite the cozy appearance of their outing, insiders were quick to dispel any budding romance rumors. According to TMZ, sources with direct knowledge confirmed that Loughlin and Tupper are simply longtime friends.

A Bond Forged in Hollywood, Not the Heart

Having worked together on previous projects, the two have maintained what sources described as a platonic, industry-rooted connection.

And while the timing of their dinner — just hours before Loughlin's separation was made public — may have raised eyebrows, insiders insist that any romantic innuendo is entirely unfounded.

Heartbreak and Healing: Tupper's Own Emotional Journey

Years before the current media frenzy, Tupper endured profound personal loss when his over a decade long relationship with Heche ended in 2018 — a split confirmed by Us Weekly.

Then, in August 2022, tragedy struck when Heche died following a harrowing car crash — a horrifying incident that stunned Hollywood and left her family and fans reeling. She never recovered from her injuries, and her sudden death devastated those closest to her, including Tupper and the son he shares with her.

Speaking to People after her passing, Tupper opened up about the emotional toll, saying, "We're taking care of each other and taking it one day at a time." He described the support around them as comforting but admitted, "It doesn't help."

Reflecting on Heche's absence, he added tenderly, "We still miss her, we miss her every day, love her." His words painted a picture of quiet grief — one that has continued to linger, even as life slowly moves forward.

A New Chapter for Loughlin amid the Fallout with Her Husband

While Tupper has continued to navigate life after loss alongside his and Heche's son, the recent dinner with Lori Loughlin came at a moment of personal upheaval for her as well.

Just one day after their quiet evening out, news surfaced that Loughlin and her husband of nearly three decades, Giannulli, have separated — marking the end of a long-standing Hollywood marriage and ushering in a new chapter for the actress.

People magazine reported Loughlin and Giannulli's separation on October 2, 2025. The couple, who share two daughters, are spending time apart as they navigate this new chapter.

"They are living apart and taking a break from their marriage. There are no legal proceedings at this time," said Loughlin's representative, Elizabeth Much.

Reactions online reflect a mix of cynicism and sympathy. On Instagram, one netizen wrote, "Too bad. So sad." Another asked, "Is it because the [sic] college scandal?.. has that been brewing for years?"

On Facebook, speculation deepened. "Might have been the ultimate fallout from the college scandal," a fourth person added. "People grow and change and don't always find themselves wanting the same thing anymore," another opined.

Some continued to question whether Loughlin's legal challenges had finally caught up with her marriage, while others weren't the least bit surprised. A few believed the couple had already gone their separate ways, and others dismissed the news as just another Hollywood split.

The duo's personal lives had already been under the national microscope when both became embroiled in the 2019 college admissions bribery scandal.

Prosecutors revealed they had paid $500,000 to secure their daughters' entry into the University of Southern California (USC) as rowing recruits, despite neither girl participating in the sport. The case was part of a sweeping federal crackdown that implicated more than 50 parents, coaches, and university officials.

Both Loughlin and Giannulli pleaded guilty. Loughlin served two months in prison at the Federal Correctional Institution in Dublin, California, and was released in December 2020. Her sentence also included two years of supervised release, 100 hours of community service, and a $150,000 fine.

At a virtual sentencing hearing, Loughlin acknowledged that she had knowingly participated in a scheme intended to give her daughters an unfair edge in the college admissions process.

She admitted that, although she believed she was acting out of love, the choice ultimately compromised her values and diminished her daughters' accomplishments.

Loughlin also recognized the broader societal impact of her actions, noting that her decision had contributed to existing inequalities. As she neared the end of her statement, Loughlin grew emotional, expressing regret for her choices and emphasizing her desire to take responsibility and move forward.

The TV personality told the court, "I am truly, profoundly and deeply sorry...I'm ready to face the consequences and make amends."

Meanwhile, Giannulli reported to prison in November 2020, serving five months at the Federal Correctional Complex in Lompoc, California, before being released to community confinement in April 2021. His sentence also included two years of supervised release, 250 hours of community service, and a $250,000 fine.

Long before their legal unraveling, the couple had been held up as a picture of Hollywood resilience. The "Full House" actress married Giannulli, a fashion designer, in 1997.

In a 2016 interview with Closer Weekly, Loughlin spoke openly about the strength of their marriage. "I've been married for 18 years! I always [knew] I was in it for the long haul." she said.

She reflected on the importance of choosing peace over pride, sharing that knowing when to let things go had been essential. "Just always remember to pay attention to your partner and pick and choose your battles carefully," Loughlin noted. "Don't sweat the small stuff, let it slide."

Loughlin also stressed the value of carving out dedicated time together amid their demanding schedules, and revealed that she and Giannulli made a ritual of reserving Friday evenings for dinner dates as a way to catch up and reconnect at the end of each week.