Elizabeth Weber Breaks Silence on ‘Homewrecker’ Claims About Billy Joel
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Elizabeth Weber, the former wife of Billy Joel, is pushing back against long-standing rumors that the music icon was the cause of her first marriage’s collapse. Speaking to US Weekly, Weber clarified that she never saw Joel as a “homewrecker” despite their affair while she was married to Jon Small, Joel’s former bandmate and best friend. Her comments come decades after the events, bringing a measured perspective to a story that has followed them both for years.
Weber explained that her marriage to Small lacked a strong romantic connection, making the “homewrecker” label feel misplaced. “Jon and I didn’t have a great romance,” she admitted, emphasizing that her relationship with Joel wasn’t the sole reason for the marriage’s end. Instead, she described her life as truly beginning with the birth of her son Sean, who brought joy and light into her world.
The affair was still a turning point in all their lives, leading to the breakup of their band and contributing to Joel’s personal struggles. But Weber maintains that the circumstances were more complex than a simple betrayal. For her, the narrative of Joel wrecking a happy home was never accurate from the start.
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The Affair and Its Aftermath
During their marriage, Weber and Small’s relationship was already strained when she began an affair with Joel. This deeply affected all involved, given the closeness between Joel and Small as both friends and musical collaborators. The personal fallout was intertwined with professional consequences, ultimately causing the band to split apart.
Joel has been candid about the emotional toll during that period, sharing in his recent HBO documentary Billy Joel: And So It Goes that he “was just in love with a woman” but recognized the pain it caused. He even admitted that getting “punched in the nose” over the affair was something he deserved. The consequences left a lasting mark, including Joel’s struggles with depression at the time.
Small also opened up about that difficult chapter, revealing that he had been the one to take Joel to the hospital after his second suicide attempt, ultimately saving his life. Despite the deep hurt, Small said he forgave Joel, acknowledging that the act came from someone who cared for him deeply and was devastated by the harm caused.
Moving Forward with Mutual Respect
Weber says that her relationship with Joel today is amicable, though not especially close. She acknowledges that he now has his own family and is facing serious health challenges. Joel revealed earlier this year that he has been diagnosed with normal pressure hydrocephalus, a brain condition caused by cerebrospinal fluid buildup that can impact cognitive function.
While they no longer see each other often—Weber lives in California while Joel resides in Florida—they remain connected through shared family ties. Their son Sean maintains a strong relationship with his father, and Joel is familiar with Weber’s grandchildren. Weber describes their dynamic as “not distant” but appropriately limited for two people who divorced 40 years ago.
Their ability to maintain civility despite the past speaks to a shared understanding of what matters now. For Weber, that’s ensuring her family is connected in healthy ways, and for Joel, it’s about enjoying his life with his wife and children while managing his health.
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Health Concerns and Well-Wishes
Joel’s health has become a central concern in recent months following his public disclosure of his condition. Normal pressure hydrocephalus is rare and can cause memory loss, walking difficulties, and other symptoms if left untreated. The news prompted an outpouring of support from fans and loved ones, including Weber.
Speaking to E! News in June, Weber expressed heartfelt wishes for Joel’s recovery. “I just want him to be restored to good health so he can enjoy his life and his wife and his children. He earned that,” she said. Her focus is now on his well-being, setting aside past grievances in favor of compassion.
Today, Joel is married to his fourth wife, Alexis Roderick, and continues to be a beloved figure in music despite his health struggles. For Weber, the priority is not revisiting old wounds, but hoping for his full recovery and happiness. In her eyes, that’s the only story worth telling now.
