MacKenzie Smith Shakes Romance, Shockingly Splits from Jeremy Johnston

MacKenzie Smith, the 39‑year‑old food influencer behind the “Grilled Cheese Social” brand, confirmed on Instagram that she and pro surfer Jeremy Johnston are ending their marriage. The announcement went live on Tuesday, August 25 from her Florida home.

In the post, Smith highlighted a six‑month period of intense personal struggle.

“I’ve been struggling physically, mentally and emotionally while navigating the biggest transition I’ve ever faced,” she wrote. The couple, who wed in a surprise ceremony in December 2018, have two children: daughter Poppy and son Jett. Smith said she kept the news private to protect her kids’ well‑being.

The divorce marks a significant shift for Smith, who normally posts daily recipe videos and lifestyle content. She noted that fans may have sensed a change in her engagement and thanked followers for their support during this transition. The post emphasized that she has chosen to keep the details private, .

## Background & Context

MacKenzie Smith rose to prominence through Instagram’s food niche, launching “Grilled Cheese Social” in 2019. Her blend of playful recipes and personal storytelling attracted over 800,000 followers by late 2022, and her reach has since expanded with cross‑platform appearances on TikTok and YouTube.

She began by sharing simple grilled‑cheese variations—think avocado‑butter melts and spicy chipotle slabs—before evolving into full‑blown culinary experiments like a ramen‑cheddar fusion.

The authenticity of her content, coupled with her candid glimpses into family life, earned her a dedicated fanbase that often turns to her for both recipe inspiration and lifestyle advice.

Her book, *Cheese & Chill: Comfort Food in 30 Minutes*, hit the shelves in 2021 and received positive reviews for its approachable tone and engaging photography. The book’s success opened doors to guest spots on Food Network’s *The Joy of Cooking* and a cameo in a cooking-themed episode of *Diners, Drive‑Ins & Dives*.

These appearances broadened her audience beyond the kitchen, positioning her as a relatable influencer who balances culinary passion with real‑world responsibilities.

Jeremy Johnston entered the public eye primarily through his professional surfing career. Although he maintains a modest social media presence, his focus has always been on performance rather than personal branding.

His Instagram feed features snapshots from competitions, beach clean‑ups, and occasional glimpses of community outreach—most recently a short video of him donating clothing in New Smyrna Beach. Unlike Smith, Johnston rarely shares intimate details about his private life, instead letting his athletic accomplishments speak for themselves.

The couple’s marriage began with an intimate ceremony held in December 2018, shortly after Smith’s first cookbook launch. The wedding, attended by close friends and family, was a quiet affair that mirrored their early years together—a blend of warmth and understated elegance.

Their joint appearance at several family‑focused events highlighted their public partnership, and early interviews suggested they were deeply committed to building a supportive environment for their two children.

Despite a generally harmonious public image, Smith’s recent post indicates that underlying challenges had become overwhelming for both parties.

The six‑month struggle she referenced hints at a complex mix of physical health concerns—possibly linked to the demands of constant content creation—and emotional exhaustion stemming from balancing motherhood, brand commitments, and the pressures of maintaining an online persona.

## What People Are Saying

Fans reacted quickly to Smith’s announcement, flooding the comments section with messages of support. One follower wrote, “You have so many people who love you and are cheering you on through all of it.” Another commented, “So glad you took the time to announce your way.

Love you to bits.” A longtime fan shared how her recipes had become a daily ritual, adding that she was inspired by Smith’s resilience. Many comments reflected a sense of solidarity, with followers acknowledging the courage it takes to share such personal news while juggling a public career.

Social media threads quickly branched out beyond Instagram. On Twitter, users used #GrilledCheeseSocial to express empathy, and on Reddit’s r/foodies subreddit, people discussed how Smith’s transparency might set a precedent for influencers grappling with personal crises.

Some commenters urged the community to respect privacy while still offering encouragement, pointing out that public scrutiny can intensify already difficult circumstances.

On the same day, Johnston’s Instagram did not comment on the divorce. His feed continued with a community‑service clip, captioned: “Just sharing a little kindness on Flagler Ave this morning because that’s what our community is all about!” The absence of a public response suggests he is keeping his side of the story private for now.

A small cluster of comments speculated on his emotional state, but the overall tone remained supportive rather than intrusive.

Smith’s post acknowledged her altered engagement patterns, explaining that she had stayed silent not to feign perfection but to give her children a chance to process the change.

She stated, “I waited because I wanted my kids to know before the entire internet did.” This sentiment resonated with viewers who appreciate transparency about personal matters. The post also thanked brand partners for their understanding and hinted at a possible pause in collaborative projects during this period of transition.

The fan community’s reaction has been largely positive, underscoring a broader trend in influencer culture: audiences increasingly value authenticity over flawless presentation.

Smith’s candid acknowledgment of her struggle—without sensationalizing details—has earned her renewed respect among followers who see her as a relatable figure navigating real life’s complexities.

## What Happens Next

Legally, Smith and Johnston must file divorce papers and settle matters such as asset division and custody arrangements. No public statements have indicated whether they will do so jointly or independently.

Both parents have expressed a desire for the children to experience healthy, supportive environments, hinting at a cooperative approach that respects each child’s emotional wellbeing.

In the coming weeks, court filings will determine the structure of their post‑marriage lives. While asset division in influencer partnerships can be complicated—especially when brand contracts and personal trademarks are involved—the focus appears to be on ensuring that Poppy and Jett have uninterrupted access to both parents.

Mediation is likely, given the high-profile nature of their families and the need to preserve a stable routine for the kids.

Smith’s social media activity has slowed; she has not posted new recipe videos since the announcement. Fans are watching closely to see if she will resume her typical routine or shift her content focus. Meanwhile, Johnston’s limited online presence suggests he may also step back from public platforms during this period.

Should Smith choose to pause her brand collaborations temporarily, her relationships with food‑related companies could undergo a brief reassessment, but her established reputation and loyal following provide a solid foundation for a swift return.

The industry will likely monitor how the split impacts Smith’s brand partnerships and potential cookbook deals. Her past collaborations with food‑related companies have relied on a positive public image, and any perceived instability could influence future endorsements.

However, her decision to handle the matter privately may preserve trust among loyal followers. Partners might view her transparency as a sign of integrity, which could mitigate concerns about brand alignment.

Brand deals in the influencer space often hinge on consistent engagement metrics.

A temporary dip in Smith’s posting frequency could affect short‑term contracts, but long‑term partnerships—especially those tied to her cookbook or cooking shows—are likely to remain intact, as they depend more on her culinary expertise than her personal life.

The broader community, including fans and industry partners, will watch how the two navigate this transition.

The divorce marks a turning point for the couple, but it also underscores the importance of privacy and resilience in the face of personal upheaval. The next chapters of their lives remain unwritten, with both parties focusing on the health and happiness of their children.

As they move forward, fans will continue to offer support, and the industry will adjust to the new realities that accompany such a significant change.

---