Serialously with Annie Elise – Episode 293: Toxic Relationships: Life After Armie Hammer with Elizabeth Chambers

Release Date: June 26, 2025

Introduction

In Episode 293 of Serialously with Annie Elise, host Annie Elise sits down with Elizabeth Chambers to discuss the harrowing aftermath of her high-profile marriage to actor Armie Hammer. This episode delves deep into the complexities of toxic relationships, the challenges of navigating public scrutiny, and the creation of Elizabeth’s empowering new series, Toxic.

Elizabeth Chambers’ Journey Through a Public Split

Elizabeth Chambers opens up about her decade-long marriage to Armie Hammer, highlighting the shock and upheaval when their split became public in 2021 amidst severe allegations against Hammer.

• Infidelity and Abuse Allegations: Elizabeth recounts the initial revelation of Hammer’s affair, stating, “[...] he told me that he had an affair. And like, infidelity to me would normally be like a non-starter, you know” (08:57). Despite attending extensive therapy, the emotional abuse and infidelity persisted, leading her to ultimately file for divorce to protect her family.

• Protecting Her Children: Emphasizing her role as a mother, Elizabeth explains, “Divorce in itself is traumatic. It is inflicting trauma on your children that you've brought into this world with the promise that you will never hurt them” (08:57). This commitment drove her to meticulously research ways to mitigate the impact of the divorce on her children, consulting experts globally to ensure their well-being.

Coping with Public Scrutiny and Personal Healing

Elizabeth discusses the intense public scrutiny they faced, especially living in the Cayman Islands to maintain some semblance of privacy. Despite the challenges, she emphasizes the importance of persevering through adversity.

• Emotional Resilience: “[...] there's certainly light. Not only light at the end of the tunnel, but the only way to get through it is to really go through it” (11:56).

• Therapeutic Practices: Elizabeth shares her holistic approach to healing, including sound baths and manifestation practices, which helped her maintain mental balance during tumultuous times.

Creation and Purpose of the "Toxic" Series

Elizabeth introduces her new series, Toxic, which explores various forms of toxic relationships beyond the surface-level headlines.

• Inspiration and Goals: “[...] our show was going to be about toxic relationships that have ended tragically [...], or coming out on the other end and stronger” (25:59). The series aims to uncover the underlying patterns and red flags that often go unnoticed, providing viewers with the tools to recognize and escape toxic dynamics.

• Educational Focus: Elizabeth emphasizes the importance of educating others on the subtle signs of abuse, comparing the show’s intent to a prequel for true crime cases by exploring what led to tragic outcomes.

Identifying Red Flags in Toxic Relationships

A significant portion of the discussion centers on recognizing the often-subtle signs of toxic relationships.

• Love Bombing: Elizabeth highlights love bombing as a misunderstood red flag, explaining, “[...] is it romantic and thoughtful or is it formulaic?” (27:15). She differentiates between genuine affection and manipulative behavior designed to obscure underlying issues.

• Obsession and Control: “[...] many of these women are so successful in their own right, but they move in very quickly [...] isolating them from their friends” (28:09). Elizabeth points out how abusers often use calculated moves to gain control and isolate their partners.

• Practical Advice: She advises incorporating questions about past relationships into casual conversations to gauge potential red flags, such as asking about the length and reasons for past relationship endings (32:16).

Advice for Individuals in Toxic Relationships

Elizabeth provides actionable steps for those recognizing toxicity in their own relationships but feeling trapped or unsure of where to begin.

• Seek Professional Help: She strongly advocates for therapy as a safe space to explore and address relationship issues, stating, “If you can afford it, [therapy] is always the best option because they can... give you really professional advice and steps” (47:03).

• Develop an Exit Plan: Emphasizing the importance of preparation, Elizabeth advises creating a discreet plan to leave the relationship safely, especially when the abuser is manipulative or violent.

• Build a Support System: Encouraging vulnerability with trusted friends and family, she highlights the role of community and support in overcoming toxic dynamics.

Empowerment and Hope for the Future

Throughout the conversation, both Annie and Elizabeth stress the importance of self-love, independence, and breaking unhealthy patterns to foster healthier relationships.

• Breaking Cycles: Elizabeth shares her personal journey of self-reflection and growth, acknowledging her own tendencies while striving to change and support her children in doing the same (56:32).

• Community and Conversation: They underscore the power of open dialogue and community support in healing and preventing others from falling into similar toxic relationships.

Conclusion and Takeaways

In wrapping up the episode, Elizabeth emphasizes the message of empowerment and vigilance:

• Question and Reflect: Encourage listeners to consistently evaluate their relationships and the relationships of those around them for any imbalance or signs of toxicity.

• Seek Help and Provide Support: Highlight the importance of professional resources and supportive communities in navigating and escaping toxic relationships.

• Promote Self-Love: Advocate for prioritizing personal well-being and happiness over societal expectations or the facade of maintaining a perfect relationship.

Elizabeth Chambers’ candid and insightful discussion provides a comprehensive exploration of toxic relationships, offering invaluable advice and hope to those affected. Her new series, Toxic, serves as both an educational tool and a beacon of support for individuals seeking to understand and overcome the complexities of toxic dynamics.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Elizabeth Chambers on Infidelity as a Non-Starter: “[...] infidelity to me would normally be like a non-starter, you know” (08:57).

• On Divorce and Its Impact on Children: “Divorce in itself is traumatic. It is inflicting trauma on your children that you've brought into this world with the promise that you will never hurt them” (08:57).

• Elizabeth on Persevering Through Adversity: “There's certainly light. Not only light at the end of the tunnel, but the only way to get through it is to really go through it” (11:56).

• Defining Love Bombing as a Red Flag: “Things I would say one of the most misunderstood signs is the variation of love bombing” (27:15).

• Advice on First Date Questions: “[...] ask, like, what was your longest relationship and why did it end” (32:16).

• Encouraging Therapy and Professional Help: “If you can afford it, [therapy] is always the best option because they can... give you really professional advice and steps” (47:03).

• Promoting Self-Love and Independence: “[...] you do not need another person, Period. But the construct of marriage was created when people died at the age of 30 and got married at 13” (61:14).

Resources Mentioned

• Elizabeth Chambers’ Series: Toxic

  • Available every Monday night on Investigation Discovery (ID) and streaming on Max.
  • Find Elizabeth Chambers on Instagram.

• Armie Hammer’s Documentary by His Aunt

  • Discussed briefly by Elizabeth to highlight hidden family histories and their impact.

For those interested in understanding the deeper aspects of toxic relationships and seeking empowerment through knowledge and community, Episode 293 of Serialously with Annie Elise offers a profound and moving exploration.