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Top 10 Most Expensive Celebrity Divorces of All Time
There are a number of factors that can contribute to the incessant most expensive celebrity divorces of all time. Celebrities often have high net worths, and their assets can be difficult to divide. They may also have complex prenuptial agreements, which can add to the cost and complexity of the divorce process.
Celebrity divorces often find their way to the headlines. When two high-profile people split up, it can be a big deal for their fans and the media alike. But for the celebrities involved, a divorce can be a very expensive and difficult process.
Additionally, celebrities often have to pay high legal fees to their attorneys. Behind all the glitz and glamour, celebrities deal with the same relationship struggles as the rest of us. But when famous couples decide to call it quits, their breakups can shake the world for more than just the emotional drama.
Top 10 Most Expensive Celebrity Divorces of All Time
Here is a table of the top 10 most expensive celebrity divorces of all time:
| Rank | Celebrity Couple | Settlement Amount |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Alec Wildenstein and Jocelyn Wildenstein | $3.8 billion |
| 2 | Rupert Murdoch and Anna Murdoch | $1.7 billion |
| 3 | Adnan Khashoggi and Soraya Khashoggi | $874 million |
| 4 | Bob Johnson and Sheila Johnson | $400 million |
| 5 | Michael Jordan and Juanita Jordan | $168 million |
| 6 | Neil Diamond and Marcia Murphey | $150 million |
| 7 | Tiger Woods and Elin Nordegren | $110 million |
| 8 | Steven Spielberg and Amy Irving | $100 million |
| 9 | Harrison Ford and Melissa Mathison | $85-118 million |
| 10 | Madonna and Guy Ritchie | $75-90 million |
1. Alec Wildenstein and Jocelyn Wildenstein
The divorce of Alec Wildenstein and Jocelyn Wildenstein is one of the most expensive celebrity divorces of all time. The couple was married for 21 years before divorcing in 1999. Jocelyn Wildenstein was awarded a settlement of $3.8 billion, which is the largest divorce settlement in history.
Alec Wildenstein was a wealthy art dealer and businessman. He was the heir to the Wildenstein & Company art gallery, one of the most prestigious art galleries in the world. Jocelyn Wildenstein was a former model and socialite. She was known for her extensive plastic surgery, which earned her the nickname “Catwoman.”
The couple’s divorce was contentious and highly publicized. Jocelyn Wildenstein accused Alec Wildenstein of adultery and cruelty. Alec Wildenstein accused Jocelyn Wildenstein of excessive spending and mental instability.
2. Rupert Murdoch and Anna Murdoch
Rupert Murdoch and Anna Murdoch’s divorce is the second most expensive celebrity divorce of all time, after Alec Wildenstein and Jocelyn Wildenstein’s divorce. The couple was married for 31 years before divorcing in 1999. Anna Murdoch was awarded a settlement of $1.7 billion, which is the second-largest divorce settlement in history.
Rupert Murdoch is a media mogul and the founder of News Corporation. He is one of the richest people in the world. Anna Murdoch is a Scottish journalist and businesswoman. She is the mother of three of Murdoch’s children.
The couple’s divorce was relatively amicable. In a joint statement, they said that they had “grown apart” and that the divorce was “in the best interests of their family.” Anna Murdoch’s settlement included a lump sum payment of $1.1 billion, as well as stock and real estate holdings. She also retained custody of the couple’s three young children.
3. Adnan Khashoggi and Soraya Khashoggi
The divorce of Adnan Khashoggi and Soraya Khashoggi is the third most expensive celebrity divorce of all time. The couple was married for 13 years before divorcing in 1979. Soraya Khashoggi was awarded a settlement of $874 million, which is the third-largest divorce settlement in history.
Adnan Khashoggi was a Saudi Arabian businessman and arms dealer. He was one of the richest men in the world. Soraya Khashoggi was a British socialite and model.
The couple’s divorce was highly publicized and controversial. Soraya Khashoggi accused Adnan Khashoggi of adultery, cruelty, and drug abuse. Adnan Khashoggi denied the allegations.
In the end, Soraya Khashoggi was awarded a settlement of $874 million. This settlement included a lump sum payment of $225 million, as well as annual payments of $20 million for 40 years.
4. Bob Johnson and Sheila Johnson
The divorce of Bob Johnson and Sheila Johnson is also one of the most expensive celebrity divorces of all time. The couple was married for 33 years before divorcing in 2002. Sheila Johnson was awarded a settlement of $400 million, which is the fourth-largest divorce settlement in history.
Bob Johnson is an entrepreneur and media mogul. He is the founder of BET, the first black-owned cable television network. Sheila Johnson is a businesswoman and philanthropist. She is the co-founder of BET and the owner of the WNBA team Washington Mystics.
The couple’s divorce was relatively amicable. In a joint statement, they said that they had “grown apart” and that the divorce was “in the best interests of their family.” Sheila Johnson’s settlement included a lump sum payment of $300 million, as well as stock and real estate holdings. She also retained custody of the couple’s two children.
5. Michael Jordan and Juanita Jordan
One of the most expensive celebrity divorces of all time unfolded between the legendary basketball icon Michael Jordan and his wife Juanita Jordan. The couple, who had been married for 17 years, announced their decision to divorce in 2002.
This high-profile split captured the attention of the world due to Michael Jordan’s iconic status as a basketball player and Juanita’s substantial financial settlement. The divorce settlement reportedly amounted to a staggering $168 million, making it one of the most costly celebrity divorces in history at that time.
Juanita received a significant portion of Michael’s fortune, including a mansion and custody of their three children, showcasing the financial complexities that can arise in high-profile celebrity divorces.
6. Neil Diamond and Marcia Murphey
Another noteworthy celebrity divorce in terms of financial settlement involved renowned singer-songwriter Neil Diamond and his former wife, Marcia Murphey. The couple decided to part ways in 1994 after 25 years of marriage.
Their divorce was notable for its hefty price tag, with Neil Diamond reportedly paying Marcia an estimated $150 million as part of the divorce settlement. This substantial sum was attributed to Diamond’s considerable wealth amassed over his successful music career, highlighting the financial complexities often seen in high-profile divorces.
The Neil Diamond and Marcia Murphey divorce serves as a prominent example of the significant financial implications that can arise from long-term celebrity marriages. It underscores the importance of having legal and financial advisors to navigate the intricate details of asset division, especially when substantial wealth and assets are involved.
7. Tiger Woods and Elin Nordegren
The divorce of Tiger Woods and Elin Nordegren is also one of the most expensive celebrity divorces of all time; their marriage came to a tumultuous end in 2010 amidst a highly publicized scandal involving Woods’ extramarital affairs.
The divorce settlement that followed reportedly amounted to an eye-popping $100 million, making it another one of the most expensive celebrity divorces in history. Elin received a substantial portion of Tiger’s fortune in the settlement, reflecting the massive wealth accumulated by the golf superstar during his career.
The Tiger Woods and Elin Nordegren divorce remains a prominent case study in the world of celebrity breakups, shining a spotlight on the personal and financial challenges that can arise when high-profile marriages unravel.
8. Steven Spielberg and Amy Irving
Another expensive divorce on our list is the Steven Spielberg and Amy Irving divorce case which cost $100 million. The couple was married for four years before divorcing in 1989. Irving was awarded a settlement of $100 million, which was one of the largest divorce settlements at the time.
Spielberg is a legendary film director and producer. He is one of the most successful filmmakers in history. Irving is an actress and singer. She has starred in films such as “Carrie” and “Yentl.”
The couple’s divorce was highly publicized and controversial. Irving accused Spielberg of adultery and cruelty. Spielberg denied the allegations. In the end, Irving was awarded a settlement of $100 million. This settlement was reportedly due to the fact that the couple did not have a prenuptial agreement.
9. Harrison Ford and Melissa Mathison
The divorce between Hollywood icon Harrison Ford and screenwriter Melissa Mathison marked the end of a long and notable marriage. The couple, who had been married for nearly two decades, filed for divorce in 2001, citing irreconcilable differences.
While their divorce didn’t make headlines for its astronomical settlement amount like some other celebrity splits, it still highlighted the complexities of ending a high-profile marriage. The divorce settlement reportedly involved the division of substantial assets and custody arrangements for their two children.
Despite their separation, both Ford and Mathison continued their careers in the entertainment industry, with Mathison even co-writing the screenplay for the beloved film “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial.” Harrison Ford, of course, continued to thrive in his acting career, solidifying his status as a Hollywood legend.
10. Madonna and Guy Ritchie
The divorce between the “Queen of Pop” Madonna and British film director Guy Ritchie was a high-profile celebrity breakup that captured widespread attention. The couple’s marriage, which began in 2000, came to an end in 2008.
Their divorce settlement was marked by a substantial financial agreement, with Ritchie reportedly receiving around £50 million (approximately $76 million at the time) as part of the divorce settlement.
The divorce was notable not just for its financial aspects but also for the media frenzy surrounding it, as it played out in the public eye. Madonna and Ritchie continued their separate careers in the entertainment industry post-divorce, with Madonna’s music and Ritchie’s filmmaking endeavours.
Conclusion
The top 10 most expensive divorces of all time discussed above serve as a testament to the extraordinary complexities that can arise when fame, fortune, and relationships intersect.
These high-profile splits not only shattered records in terms of the staggering sums involved but also provided a window into the personal and financial intricacies faced by the world’s most recognizable individuals.
From the eye-watering settlements to the intense media scrutiny, these cases remind us that wealth and success do not shield anyone from the pains of heartbreak and separation