Metallica frontman James Hetfield recently shared the news that he is officially engaged to Adriana Gillett. The announcement originally came via Metallica’s social media channels, which posted an underwater photograph of James Hetfield holding a sign that read, “Adriana Gillett, will you marry me?” The accompanying caption simply celebrated: “She said yes!”
Adriana Gillett also shared the photo on her personal Instagram account, reflecting on the special moment with her followers.
“The BEST birthday trip surprise. Swimming with whale sharks on Friday the 13th with the most unique, special, and romantic proposal a Pisces could ever imagine. In a sea full of fish, we caught each other. Thank you God for putting us together.”
While the public celebrated the engagement news online, James Hetfield’s ex-wife, Francesca Tomasi, shared her personal feelings in a comment on a Metallica fan page post.
“Well, what a shock to find this out through social media instead of getting a heads up. I see the silent ‘FU’ is still happening. Am I bitter? Absolutely not. 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,” Francesca wrote.
She later added in a separate, follow-up comment: “I no longer have the need to protect him. Just my kids!”
James Hetfield’s engagement arrives following his 25-year marriage to Francesca Tomasi, which ultimately ended in divorce. TMZ first reported the split on August 13, 2022, noting that the musician had filed the official paperwork in Colorado earlier that year. Francesca later confirmed the news to the press.
“After 30 years of ups and downs but always with a lot of love, I am extremely saddened that my marriage has come to this,” she stated at the time.
James Hetfield and Francesca Tomasi originally met in 1992 and were married in 1997. Together, they share three children: Cali, 27, Marcella, 24, and Castor, 25.
