James Hetfield’s ex-wife Francesca Tomasi has reacted to the Metallica frontman’s engagement to Adriana Gillett, saying she was hurt to learn about the news through social media.
Hetfield recently proposed to Gillett during an underwater trip while the couple were swimming with whale sharks. In photos shared online, the Metallica singer held up a sign that read, “Adriana Gillett, will you marry me?” Gillett responded with a thumbs-up underwater and later described the proposal as “the most unique, special, and romantic proposal a Pisces could ever imagine.”
After the news spread among Metallica fans, Francesca commented on a fan page post and made it clear that the way she found out was painful for her.
“Well, what a shock to find this out through social media instead of getting a heads up,” Francesca said. “I see the silent ‘FU’ is still happening.”
She then addressed whether she was angry about the engagement itself.
“Am I bitter? Absolutely not,” she continued. “I’m saddened and heartbroken that he gave up his family to further surround himself with enablers and his addiction. I wish them the best.”
Her comments added a more emotional side to what had first appeared to be a romantic engagement story. While many fans congratulated Hetfield and Gillett, Francesca’s reaction showed that the news also reopened painful feelings connected to the end of her marriage.
Hetfield and Francesca were married in 1997 and filed for divorce in 2022 after 25 years together. They share three children: Cali, Castor, and Marcella.
Hetfield was first linked to Adriana Gillett after his separation from Francesca. Gillett has been described in reports as a journalist-turned-fashion designer, and their relationship became public before the engagement.
The proposal itself was unusual even by rock star standards. Instead of a traditional setting, Hetfield chose an underwater moment surrounded by whale sharks. Gillett later wrote, “In a sea full of fish, we caught each other,” while thanking God for bringing them together.
For Hetfield, the engagement marks a new chapter in his personal life after a long marriage and a public divorce. For Francesca, however, the way the news reached her appears to have made the situation more difficult.
At this point, Hetfield and Gillett have not publicly responded to Francesca’s comments.
