Most Expensive Divorces Ever
This article highlights some of the most expensive and high-profile celebrity divorces, shedding light on the jaw-dropping financial settlements that accompanied these high-stakes splits.
Some of the most expensive divorces in history involve high-net-worth individuals, celebrities, and business moguls. Keep in mind that divorce settlement figures can change over time due to appeals, changes in the financial situation of the parties involved, or other factors. Here are a few notable high-profile divorces with substantial settlements:
Jeff Bezos and MacKenzie Scott: In 2019, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and MacKenzie Scott finalized their divorce, with MacKenzie receiving 25% of the couple's Amazon stock, equivalent to about $36 billion at the time.
Elon Musk and Justine Musk: The divorce settlement between SpaceX and Tesla CEO Elon Musk and Justine Musk, his first wife, reportedly included a $4.2 million cash payment, as well as stocks and other assets.
Alec Wildenstein and Jocelyn Wildenstein: In one of the most famous and costly divorces in the art world, the Wildensteins' divorce settlement was rumored to involve a payment of approximately $2.5 billion.
Rupert Murdoch and Anna Murdoch Mann: The divorce settlement between media mogul Rupert Murdoch and Anna Murdoch Mann was estimated at around $1.7 billion in 1999.
Harold Hamm and Sue Ann Arnall: The divorce of oil magnate Harold Hamm and Sue Ann Arnall in 2015 resulted in a settlement of approximately $975 million. However, Sue Ann initially rejected the settlement check but eventually cashed it.
Steve Wynn and Elaine Wynn: Casino mogul Steve Wynn and Elaine Wynn divorced twice. Their first divorce in 1986 involved a settlement of approximately $740 million, and their second divorce in 2010 resulted in a settlement of approximately $1 billion.
Mel Gibson and Robyn Moore: Actor and filmmaker Mel Gibson's divorce from his wife, Robyn Moore, in 2011 resulted in a settlement estimated at around $425 million.
Harrison Ford and Melissa Mathison: Actor Harrison Ford's divorce from screenwriter Melissa Mathison in 2004 included a settlement estimated at around $118 million.
These are just a few examples of high-profile and expensive divorce settlements. It's important to note that each divorce case is unique, and the settlement terms are typically based on various factors, including the couple's assets, income, and any prenuptial or postnuptial agreements in place. Additionally, the details of many divorce settlements are often kept private, and the figures mentioned above are based on estimates and reports available to the public.
A look at some of the costliest celebrity divorces in history..
Here is a look at some of the costliest celebrity divorces in history:
- Jeff Bezos and MacKenzie Scott (2019): The divorce between Jeff Bezos, the founder and CEO of Amazon, and MacKenzie Scott, a novelist and philanthropist, was reportedly worth $38.3 billion, making it the most expensive divorce in history. Scott received a 4% stake in Amazon as part of the settlement, which made her one of the richest women in the world.
- Alec and Jocelyn Wildenstein (1999): The divorce between Alec Wildenstein, an art dealer and financier, and Jocelyn Wildenstein, a socialite and former model, was reportedly worth $3.8 billion, making it the most expensive divorce at the time. Wildenstein was ordered to pay Jocelyn $2.5 billion in cash and assets, as well as $100 million per year for 13 years.
- Rupert Murdoch and Anna Murdoch Mann (1999): The divorce between Rupert Murdoch, the media mogul, and Anna Murdoch Mann, a journalist, was reportedly worth $1.7 billion, making it one of the most expensive divorces at the time. Mann received a $110 million settlement, as well as a $300 million mansion in New York City.
- Bill Gross and Sue Gross (2017): The divorce between Bill Gross, the billionaire bond investor, and Sue Gross, a former teacher, was reportedly worth $1.3 billion, making it one of the most expensive divorces in history. Sue Gross received a $1 billion settlement, as well as a $35 million mansion in Laguna Beach, California.
- Mel Gibson and Robyn Moore Gibson (2011): The divorce between Mel Gibson, the actor and director, and Robyn Moore Gibson, a nurse, was reportedly worth $425 million, making it one of the most expensive divorces in Hollywood history. Robyn Moore Gibson received half of Gibson's fortune as part of the settlement.
These are just a few of the costliest celebrity divorces in history. It is important to note that these figures are estimates, and the actual cost of these divorces may be higher or lower.