Most Expensive Celebrity Divorces

Odette Odendaal
3 years ago

1.  Mick Jagger & Jerry Hall - $25 million

Image source VideosourceAfter 13 years together, Mick and Jerry made it legal and married in Indonesia in 1990.  Only 9 years later, news broke that he had been a naughty boy and fathered a child with Luciana Morad, a Brazilian model.  The error of his ways led Jerry to divorce him and she received a settlement of $25 million.
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2. Johnny Depp & Amber Heard - $7 million

Image source Pinkvilla.comWe are still recovering from details of their much publicised court case and wonder how they decided they were ever compatible.  After only 15 months of marriage they split, citing irreconcilable differences (that's a surprise, not!) and Amber was awarded a relatively small sum of $7 million dollars as their marriage had been such a short one.
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3. Jennifer Lopez & Cris Judd - $14 million

Image source Usatoday.comJo Lo only managed 9 months of matrimony with hubby Cris Judd.  In 2002,  she filed for divorce and it cost her a pretty penny, having to pay him $14 million.  It was ironic that they first met on the set of her music video 'Love Don't Cost A Thing'!
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4. Kelsey Grammer & Camille Grammer - $30 million

Image source Mirror.co.ukTalented actor and writer Kelsey Grammer  and his then wife, 'Real Housewives' star Camille, decided enough was enough in 2010 and made the grown up decision to split their assets evenly. After (unlucky) 13 years together, they both took home $30 million.
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5. Michael Douglas & Diandra Luker - $45 million

Image source Newsweek.comThe multi Oscar award-winning actor, son of the great Hollywood icon Kirk Douglas, married Diandra Luker , a 19 year old Australian diplomat’s daughter, in 1972.  They notched up 23 years together, a lifetime in the showbiz world.  However, Diandra was not a happy bunny and they divorced in 1995.  She received half of Douglas' net worth, a mere $45 million,
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6. John Cleese & Alyce Faye Eichelberg - $19.9 million

Image source The MirrorComedy marmite of 'Monty Python' and 'Fawlty Towers' fame, John Cleese drew the short straw when he became divorced from Alyce Faye Eichelberg.  She took the bulk of his rich pickings with a $19.9 million settlement and 3 homes dotted across the world, totting  up a further $19.7 million.
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7.  Hulk Hogan & Linda Claridge - $30 million

Image source Thethings.comLinda Claridge filed for divorce from Hulk Hogan after reports of an affair with model Christiane Plante.  Hogan couldn't box his way out of a paper bag when it came to trying to convince his wife that the affair meant nothing!  After 25 years together, she punched the air at receiving $30 million.
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8. Ted Danson & Casey Coates - $30 million

Image source The SunThe 'Cheers' and more recently 'Curb Your Enthusiasm' star Ted Danson, was married to Casey before the heady heights of fame came his way.  He left her for actress Whoopi Goldberg (yes, it's true!).  His marriage cost him dearly and set him back $30 million.
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9. Mike Tyson & Robin Givens - $10 million

Image source The SunMike Tyson, nicknamed 'the baddest man on the planet'  is known as one of the greatest heavyweight boxers of all time.  This accolade did him no good in hanging on to his wife, Robin Givens.  She rang the bell for time after only 8 months and the settlement was a mere $10 million.
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10. Colin Firth & Livia Giuggioli - $12.5 million

Image source People.comWe all love Colin Firth for his various acting roles and British charm.  Unfortunately, his wife Livia Giuggioli, didn't share the nation's affection for her husband and she embarked on an affair with an Italian journalist.  After 22 years of marriage they split and Livia pocketed $12.5 million.
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11. Kevin Cosner & Cindy Silva - $80 million

Image source Closer NewsHollywood great Kevin Cosner was known to have wandering eyes and his wife Cindy Silva didn't approve of some of the roles he undertook in his movies.  She gave him an ultimatum, give up the 'sexy scenes' or give up her - the marriage lost, they went their separate ways and he paid her $80 million.
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12. Lionel Richie & Diane Alexander - $20 million

Image source BiographypediaWhen Lionel Richie and Diane Alexander realised their marriage could not be salvaged, they made a joint decision to split.  Fashion designer Diane wanted to carry on the life of luxury she was used to and the alimony petition included an allowance for plastic surgery!  The $20 million settlement ensured she could pay for the odd nip and tuck!
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13. Alex Rodriguez & Cynthia Scurtis - $14 million

Image source Vanity FairWell before Jennifer Lopez (and apparently Madonna) became involved with Alex Rodriguez, the famous baseball player called the whistle on his marriage to Cynthia Scurtis.  After 6 years together, she got to keep their $12 million mansion and half of his $28 million earnings FOR THAT SEASON!
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14. Kenny Rogers & Marianne Gordon - $60 million

Image source Getty Images

Whilst Kenny Rogers enjoyed a long music relationship with Dolly Parton, the same cannot be said for his 4 marriages and 4 very expensive divorce settlements.  The most costly one saw him shell out $60 million to Marianne Gordon.  You'd think he'd arrange prenups after all those mistakes!
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15. Harrison Ford & Melissa Mathison - $18 million

Harrison Ford, legendary actor and screenwriter, met Melissa Mathison on the set of 'Apocalypse Now' in 1979.  They married and stayed together for 17 years until Harrison's affair with a much younger woman split them up.  His unfaithfulness cost him $118 million.
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16. Tiger Woods & Elin Nordegren - $110 million

Image source US WeeklyIt all went downhill after Tiger Woods crashed his Escalade into a tree outside the couple's Florida home.  Turns out he couldn't deal with the guilt of having multiple affairs behind his wife Elin Nordegren's back (poor poppet).  After 6 years of marriage and 2 small kids, Elin walked away with a massive $110 million.
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17. Michael Jordan & Juanita Vanoy - $168 million

Michael Jordan, The Chicago Bulls star, struggled with balancing marriage to Vanoy and the constant limelight he was experiencing.  They split up and got back together a number of times but finally called it quits in 2006.  Hope the $168 million settlement Juanita received helped her rebuild her life.
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18. Paul McCartney & Heather Mills - $49 million

Image source The Sun
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19. Lance Armstrong & Kristin Richard - $14 million

Lance Armstrong is best known as the sporting ion who won the 'Tour de France' 7 consecutive times and then falling from grace as details of his cycling cheating scandal emerged.  What you probably didn't know was that he stumbled on the last lap of his marriage vows and his wife Kristin Richard wanted to get away as quickly as she could.  She packed her bags and took the $14 million that the courts agreed she should have.
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20. Donald & Ivana Trump - $20 million

Image source ABC NewsIt's the Donald!  The orange faced ex President has managed to persuade 3 women to marry him, the first being Ivana.  It didn't end well (how surprising with Donald's respect for women and quiet persona!)  They split in 1992 after his affair with Marla Maples who he later went on to marry.  Ivana walked away with $20 million..
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21. Johnny Carson & Joanna Holland - $20 million

Younger readers may not be familiar with Johnny Carson but in the '70s, he was one of the most popular American tv presenters and chat show host.  He was also the highest paid out of them all.  When his marriage to Joanna Holland crumbled after 13 years, she netted $20 million, an absolute in that decade.
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22. Phil Collins & Orianne Cevey - £47 million

Image source Vanity Fair
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23. James Cameron & Linda Hamilton - $50 million

Image source Yahoo NewsThe Canadian film maker, probably best known for directing 'Titanic' and 'Terminator', first met Linda Hamilton on the set of 'Terminator 2: Judgement Day'.  The marriage, like 'The Titanic', sunk and divorce proceedings were instigated by Linda when she found out her husband was having an affair with a young actress.  The affair made him part with $50 million.
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24. Madonna & Guy Ritchie - $92 million

Was Guy Richie not young enough for Madonna?  Did Madonna love herself more than anyone else?  We will never really know the true story but, if all the reports are correct, their 8 year marriage made a hefty $92 million dent in Madonna's pointed bra!
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25. Garth Brooks & Sandy Mahl - $125 million

College sweethearts Garth Brooks and Sandy Mahl married in 1986 and split 13 years later.  Brooks was filling arenas with the sound of his amazing Country music but his heart wasn't filled with love for his wife any more. Sandy reluctantly accepted $125 million, insisting it should have been more as she had been with him since day one.
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26. Rupert Murdoch & Anna Mann - $1.7 billion

The Australian media mogul must have felt the pinch when he and his wife Anna Mann went their separate ways.  It cost him dearly and it was hailed as one of the most expensive divorce settlements ever - $1.7 billion.  Apparently $110 million of it was a direct cash payment.
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27. Jeff Bezos & MacKenzie Bezos - $38 billion

Image source ForbesAfter 25 years together, Amazon CEO Jeff Bezon and his wife MacKenzie  had their marriage dissolved.  As they had been together from the start, before anyone had even heard of 'Amazon', her settlement reflected this and she scooped £38 billion.  Her personal fortune put her at number 4 on the 'Forbes' billionaires list!
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28. Adele & Simon Konecki - $95 million

Image source WireImageEverything Adele went through during and after her secret marriage to Simon Konecki was penned into the lyrics of her last album.  They lasted 5 years and share a good relationship for the sake of their son.  No prenuptial agreement meant Adele had to write a settlement cheque for $95 million.
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29. Steven Spielberg & Amy Irving - $105 million

The pre-nup agreement was deemed invalid when Steven Spielberg and Amy Irving divorced because it was scribbled on a napkin.  Talk about being picky!  The wording on the serviette set out that Amy would receive $100 million but when it went through the courts, she got an extra $5 million on top of that.
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30. Neil Diamond & Marcia Murphey $150 million

Image source Getty ImagesSettlement: $150 millionIt's fortunate that the royalties of 'Sweet Caroline' are still rolling in for Neil Diamond as his 25 year marriage to Marcia Murphey ended with a whopping $150 million. settlement.  Diamond blamed himself for the break up and said he didn't need loads of money.  He just wanted to make sweet music
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31. Jeff Gordon and Brooke Sealey - $15 Million

Image Source / Marie ClaireThe winner of Daytona 500 married Brooke Sealey back in 1994. The pair had only known each other for a year before they decided to exchange vows. Eight years after getting married they were ready to divorce, and Sealey got $15 million from the split.
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32. Michael Strahan and Jean Muggli - $15.3 Million

Image Source / Marie ClaireWhen Michael Stahan was a defensive end for the New York Giants, he met future wife Jean Muggli. She worked in a spa in the city where he would attend, and they eventually got married in 1999. They split in 2006, sharing two daughters, and Stahan had to pay $18 a month in child support.
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33. Matt Lauer and Annette Roque - $20 Million

Image Source / Marie ClaireThis pair first met on a blind date, and married in 1998. Lauer was later fired from the NBC for more than one sexual assault allegation. Roque filed for divorce in 2019, sharing their three children. Despite only officially divorcing in 2019, Roque had previously filed in 2006 for 'cruel and inhumane acts' on Lauer's part.
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34. Ron Perelman and Ellen Barkin - $20 Million

Image Source / Marie ClaireBarkin would be Perelan's fourth wife, which may not have been a great point to start on. And, lo and behold, they separated after being married for six years since 2000. The official settlement figure was never revealed, but it's reported that jewelry from Perelman amounting to $20 million was sold by Barkin.
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35. Reba McEntire and Narvel Blackstock - $47.5 Million

Image Source / Marie ClaireCountry singer Reba McEntire married Blackstock (her manager) back in 1989. In 2015, they announced they were officially splitting after 16 years of marriage and a son together. The divorce apparently was Blackstock's idea and not McEntire's.
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36. Heidi Klum and Seal - $50-$70 Million

Image Source / Marie ClaireHeidi Klum and Seal were a glamorous couple to say the least, and they were married for 7 years before calling it quits in 2012. The pair share three children, but Heidi filed for divorce with the claim that Seal has a bad temper that would frighten both her and the kids.
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37. Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt - $100 Million

Image Source / Marie ClaireOkay, so Jolie and Pitt aren't 'officially' divorced yet, but they're definitely separately (which became official in 2016) and Pitt apparently offered $100 million in a divorce settlement to Angelina, but nothing was finalized and it looks like this six-year-long divorce is ongoing.
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38. Mel Gibson and Robyn Gibson - $425 Million

Image Source / Marie ClaireNope, that's not a typo! Actor Mel Gibson and his ex-wife, Robyn Gibson, apparently had $850 million in assets to share during their divorce. They also have seven children together where that money needs to be put to good use. They decided to split from their 31-year marriage after Mel was arrested for drink driving.
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39. Dr. Dre & Nicole Young - $100 Million

Image Source / People.comDr. Dre is worth around 820 million dollars, and following their divorce settlement at the end of 2021, he's paying ex-wife Nicole Young 100 million dollars in their split. This is apparently split into two payments as part of a property settlement. It was Young who filed for divorce from Dre after 24 years of marriage.
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40. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum & Princess Haya bint al-Hussein - $728 Million

Image Source / People.comApparently the ruler of Dubai had to pay out $728 million to his ex wife, Princess Haya bint al-Hussein, last year after a very long divorce process that including allegations of affairs. The money is apparently to cover the Princess's security going forward and for supporting the two children they share together.
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41. Bill & Melinda Gates - Billions Of $

Image Source / People.comThe very wealthy and very charitable pair announced last year that they would be splitting after being married for 27 years. The amount of assets these two have make the divorce figure very complicated indeed - to start with, Bill alone is worth 130.5 billion dollars. Then they have property worth nearly $200 million, alongside the foundation they both run coming in at over $40 billion...
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42. Shannon & David Beador - $1.4 Million

Image Source / People.comThis married pair had even renewed their vows when it came to celebrating 16 years of marriage, so things were looking good until Shannon filed for divorce in 2017. David agreed to pay out $1.4 million to his ex-wife, as well as $10,000 a month for spousal and child support for their three daughters.
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43. Kim Basinger & Alec Baldwin - Approx $3 Million

Image Source / People.comBasinger and Baldwin had a particularly drama-filled divorce, and the battle lasted around four years. This was mainly due to the custody argument over their daughter. The pair got particularly heated during the process, even resorting to name calling, but in recent years they've cooled off a bit.
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44. Denise Richards & Charlie Sheen - At Least $80,000

Image Source / People.comSheen and Richards also had a less-than-friendly divorce back in 2006. Richards claimed that husband Charlie had affairs with prostitutes during their marriage, as well as being abusive. Sheen retaliated by calling Denise a "sad jobless pig". Ouch. They divorced just three years after getting married. The final total of their settlement isn't known, but it's alleged that Sheen paid at least $80,000 in child support.
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45. Princess Diana & Prince Charles - $22.5 million

Image Source / People.comThe world knows this fairytale-turned-disaster between Princess Diana and Prince Charles. The pair separated in 1992, with claims they'd both been unfaithful during their marriage. The pair officially divorced in 1996, before Diana's tragic death, and it's alleged that the settlement was $22.5 million as well as $600,000 a year for Diana's office.
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46. Frank and Jamie McCourt - $130 Million

Image Source / bestlifeonline.comFrank and Jamie McCourt had one of the most expensive divorces in recent history. They racked up around 20.6 million dollars in legal bills alone. The pair - who owned the LA Dodgers and Dodger Stadium - split in 2009 after almost 30 years of marriage. Jamie also had to give up her claim to the Dodgers in the divorce.
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47. Robert Johnson and Sheila Crump - Estimated $400 Million

Image Source / InsiderThis pair made their happily-married fortune together over the course of their 33 year marriage with BET, a company which Robert founded in 1980. Viacom bought BET for $3 billion. The reason for their split was an alleged three-year affair on Robert's part.
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48. Mick Jagger and Bianca Macias: $2.5 Million

Image Source / Good Housekeeping
Bianca Macias hasn't been Mick Jagger's only wife, and nor has she been his only divorce. The pair enjoyed a whirlwind romance and married in 1970, but then split in 1978 after rumours that both of them had cheated. Jagger's settlement in the divorce was $2.5 million.
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49. Arnold Schwarzenegger and Maria Shriver: $200 Million (Estimated)

Image Source / Good Housekeeping
Maria filed for divorce from Arnie in 2011 after she found out that he'd not only had an affair with the housekeeper, but fathered a child with her, too. The divorce negotiations took around 10 years, and the final paperwork was made in 2021. It's expected that the two of them will be splitting their $400 million worth when it's finally finalized.

50. Elaine and Steve Wynn: $955 Million

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Image Source / Good Housekeeping
Elaine and Steve Wynn amassed their fortune from being a pair of casino moguls. They co-founded the Mirage and Wynn Las Vegas resorts, and were married in 1963. The pair divorced in 1986... only to remarry 5 years later... and divorce again in 2010. For the final settlement, they split their money in Wynn Resorts.
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