Seal is famous not just for his soulful music but also for his past marriage to Heidi Klum. Their relationship, which lasted from 2005 to 2014, fascinated but also puzzled the public. Some have even said that she was "too beautiful" for him. Now, she has a husband 16 years younger than her. Let's discover if the comments are true and if Seal was truly not the best for her.
Is Heidi Klum "Too Beautiful" for her Ex-Husband?
The German supermodel made a name for herself beyond the runway as a television host, producer, and entrepreneur. For many years, she was also seen often with her then-husband, Seal.
Recently, our readers shared some strong opinions about this former pairing. One person said, "You are toooo beautiful for that man. You could have done better [sic]." Another added, "He didn't suit her." A third person wrote, "She is much beautiful than him."
But before jumping to any conclusions, let's look at Klum's past marriages and current relationship. Before Seal, she walked down the aisle with stylist Ric Pipino, who was older and handsome but not a world-stopping beauty. They tied the knot in 1997 when Heidi was about 24 years old.
Heidi Klum and Ric Pipino at the premiere of 'The 6th Day' at the National Theater in Los Angeles | Source: Getty Images
At the time, she was just starting to make it big in the modeling world. Two years after their wedding, Klum's career took off. She was chosen to wear the $10 million "millennium bra" at the 1999 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show.
Heidi Klum modeling for Victoria's Secret on February 3, 1999 at the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show in New York City | Source: Getty Images
Unfortunately, with her rising stardom, her marriage ended; she and Ric divorced in 2002, and soon Klum began dating Seal, and they were definitely a couple to watch out for in the entertainment industry.
Their Marriage
Seal Henry Olusegun Olumide Adeola Samuel is a British singer, songwriter, and record producer with many awards and millions of albums sold. His early hits like "Crazy" and "Killer" made him a household name, while "Kiss from a Rose" solidified him as a star.
Klum and Seal shared nearly a decade of marriage, marked by both public adoration and private challenges. The couple first met in 2004 and quickly became one of Hollywood's most intriguing pairs.
Seal and Heidi Klum arrive at the 2004 World Music Awards at the Thomas and Mack Center on September 15, 2004 in Las Vegas, Nevada | Source: Getty Images
They married in 2005, often renewing their vows in lavish ceremonies, which became a hallmark of their relationship. Seal's soulful music and Klum's supermodel status made them a power couple in the eyes of many, yet their differences were also a point of curiosity.
Heidi Klum and singer Seal arrive at the 67th Annual Golden Globe Awards held at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on January 17, 2010 in Beverly Hills, California | Source: Getty Images
Together, they navigated the challenges of fame, parenthood, and the pressures of maintaining a high-profile marriage. However, by 2012, the couple decided to part ways and filed for divorce, leaving many to wonder what led to the end of their marriage. Their separation was made official in 2014.
Seal and Heidi Klum arrive at The Elton John AIDS Foundation Oscars Viewing Party at Pacific Design Center on February 27, 2011 in West Hollywood, California | Source: Getty Images
Why Does He Have Scars?
One of the most distinctive aspects of Seal's appearance is the scars on his face, which have been a topic of conversation throughout his career. Seal knows this well. He once told Yahoo Lifestyle, "Something that had kind of been initially traumatizing turned out to be something that has made me instantly recognizable."
These scars are from a disease called lupus. It's a long-term illness that can cause pain and swelling in any part of the body. It often affects the skin, joints, and organs inside a person.
For his part, the singer has a type of lupus called discoid lupus. This kind of condition causes round, coin-shaped sores. Seal once explained, "My lupus first arrived when I was 21. It's not as serious as systemic [lupus], which affects the organs."
At first, he felt self-conscious about the markings on his skin. But he soon realized, "This body is not who we are. I got off lightly."
Seal on February 8, 1995 on the "Tonight Show with Jay Leno" | Source: Getty Images
How Is He as a Father?
While much of the public focus has been on Seal’s former marriage to Klum, his role as a father deserves equal attention. Seal has always been deeply committed to his children, including Leni, Klum's daughter from a previous relationship. Despite ending his relationship, Seal's dedication to his children has never wavered.
Seal attends the Men's Singles Third Round match on Day Six of the 2023 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 02, 2023 in New York City | Source: Getty Images
In 2009, Seal officially adopted Leni. He told the press that the adoption was complete, but he was quick to add that it didn't really change anything at home. "It doesn't make [Leni] any more or less my daughter," Seal said. "She always has been."
Seal and daughter Leni on October 13, 2007 in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images
The singer explained that he and Klum wanted Leni to have the same last name as the rest of the family. "It was about Leni. I don't want her to feel different because I know what that's like being a kind of stepson. And I don't want that dynamic for my little girl," he added.
Seal and daughter Leni Klum attend the game between the Boston Celtics and the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on March 11, 2012 in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images
Moreover, Seal has always spoken positively about Leni's biological father, Flavio Briatore, with whom Klum had a brief one-year relationship in 2003. The singer said Briatore "was a gentleman about the whole thing [the adoption]" and that he has "a tremendous amount of respect for him."
Flavio Briatore and model Heidi Klum in Monaco on June 01, 2003 | Source: Getty Images
The singer also admitted that if the roles were reversed, he might not have been able to handle the adoption as well as Briatore did.
Together, Klum and her ex-husband have four children: Leni, Henry, Johan, and Lou Sulola. However, some things have been challenging.
Seal and his son Henry Samuel attend the game between the New Orleans Hornets and the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on April 17, 2011 in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images
Despite trying his best to be a good father, Seal admits that raising a family isn't always easy, but he would still call it "the perfect life" overall. He believes that hard work and visualizing what you want can help. "The luck comes in the fact that Heidi and I have healthy children, and we are relatively healthy, too," he added.
Heidi Klum, son Henry Samuel, singer Seal, and daughter Leni Klum walk in Soho on April 13, 2009 in New York City | Source: Getty Images
In January 2024, Seal had a special moment with all four of his kids. They walked the red carpet together at the premiere of "The Book of Clarence," a movie directed by the singer's brother, Jeymes Samuel.
Jeymes Samuel, Leni Klum and Seal attend the Los Angeles premiere of Sony Pictures' "The Book Of Clarence" at Academy Museum of Motion Pictures on January 05, 2024 in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images
Photos show Seal arm-in-arm with his daughter Lou and his current girlfriend, Laura Strayer. His other kids, Leni, Henry, and Johan, were also there, posing together as a family.
Leni Klum, Lou Samuel, Seal, Laura Strayer, Henry Günther Ademola Dashtu Samuel and Johan Riley Fyodor Taiwo Samuel attend the Los Angeles premiere of Sony Pictures' "The Book Of Clarence" at Academy Museum of Motion Pictures on January 05, 2024 in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images
This wasn't the first time fans have seen him with his children because Seal often shares his love for them on social media. In September 2023, he posted a photo with Leni in New York City and wrote, "In NY with the young woman who changed my life for the better 19 yrs ago. Thank you Leni for making me a better person [sic]."
He also celebrated his son Henry's 18th birthday on Instagram, and called him and Johan, "The Two Greatest Men I know." Additionally, Seal praised Henry for his compassion, humility, and kindness, and finished the post with:
"I am so proud and privileged to be your father."
Moving On
Now, years after Seal and Klum's separation, the model is happily married to Tom Kaulitz, who is 16 years younger than her. She and the German guitarist started dating in 2018, fell in love quickly, and got married in secret in February 2019.
It's clear that Kaulitz has very handsome features, but he's more disheveled and carefree than the put-together supermodel. Yet, Klum has said that she's much happier now.
"For the first time, I have a partner who I can discuss everything with," she said. "Someone who shares duties that we all have in our life. I used to be on my own with everything. For the first time, I get to experience what it is actually like to have a partner."
Additionally, Heidi Klum feels younger and is going out more thanks to her new husband. She explained that she's enjoying life more at 50 than she did in her 20s.
When her children were young, she rarely went to work events or after-parties. Now that her kids are older, and she has a better partner, the model can enjoy more social outings.
At the same time, Seal has also moved on with Strayer, who previously worked as his personal assistant during his marriage to Klum. Their connection blossomed into a romantic relationship in 2021.
Seal and Laura Strayer at the 2023 US Open at Arthur Ashe Stadium at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 1, 2023 in New York City
Even as the singer and the supermodel both settle into their new lives respectively, they will always be connected through their children. Let's explore how they work together for their kids' sake.
Is Seal Still on Good Terms with Klum?
Co-parenting after divorce can be tough, and it seems Seal and his ex-wife have had their share of difficulties. In May 2021, the singer spoke about their situation. He said, "It can be challenging. It requires teamwork. If you are a team, if both parents are a team, then it's really easy and that's not a real challenge at all. ... But you have to be a team. And if you're not a team, then it can all fall to pieces."
Seal and Heidi Klum on the red carpet of "America's Got Talent" Season 12 | Source: Getty Images
When asked if he and Klum worked well as a team, Seal was honest. "No. ... I never had that teamwork [with Klum]. We never had teamwork," he said. His response was honest and showed the tough times they've faced, both during their marriage and since they split in 2012.
Heidi Klum and Seal are seen on October 04, 2014 in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images
It also ties in with some of Klum's comments about her current marriage, where she "shares duties" with her partner. Similarly, the singer has mentioned that his current girlfriend makes him "extremely happy" and believes in "love and teamwork."
Overall, the former couple has been able to resolve disputes even when it was difficult. In 2020, they had to make some changes to their custody agreement when Klum filed an emergency motion because Seal wouldn't let their children travel abroad with her during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Eventually, they reached an agreement that allowed her to take the kids to Germany for work, and then Seal would get extra time with them when they returned. Through everything, the singer tried to keep things in perspective. He pointed out that his kids were lucky, and didn't have the same struggles as many others. They had a good home, plenty of food, and access to a great education.
Seal and his daughter Leni Olumi Klum arrive for the Los Angeles Special Screening of Netflix's "The Harder They Fall" at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, October 13, 2021 | Source: Getty Images
The issue comes at the mention of his kids following in their parents' footsteps. Seal has some valid concerns, particularly about Leni's modeling career, which wasn't his first choice for her. "That's a precarious road to take," he explained, adding that it rarely "ends in happiness."
Interestingly, the singer once mentioned that his children aren't very impressed with his music career. "We never really talk about my music at all," he said. This shows that despite his fame, at home, he's just Dad.
All in all, Klum and Seal's current relationship may not be as close as other co-parents, but it's clear that they both love their children deeply. They're also navigating the challenges of raising kids after divorce, each in their own way. Perhaps they truly weren't suited for each other, as our readers have said, but there's no indication that it was because of his appearance.
Heidi Klum and singer Seal arrive at the 63rd Primetime Emmy Awards held at Nokia Theatre L.A. Live on September 18, 2011 in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images
Klum herself has only talked about her connection to her new husband, Kaulitz, and how he makes her feel, not how he looks. Meanwhile, Seal remained a devoted father despite his struggles, which is all anyone would want in an ex.
In the end, it's simply better to find a partner who shares the same values. The family these celebrities created together continues to be a big part of both their lives. Beauty, as they say, is more than skin deep, and true love and family bonds go far beyond