Unfortunately, it seems like a regular occurrence to wake up and find out that your favorite celebrity couple of the week is getting divorced.
Brad and Jen, Sandra and Jesse, Beavis and Butthead (ok not true, we’re just checking to see if you’re paying attention) the list can go on and on if you really think about it. But it seems like the most expensive divorces happen when one person is famous and the other is not – come check out the most expensive celebrity divorces on record so far.
Here’s our list of highlights, ‘least’ expensive first…
Michael Douglas
Former spouse: Diandra Douglas
Settlement: $45 Million
We celebrate Michael’s recent victory over cancer, and truly respect his acting and producing career. But in 1998, he really made headlines when he settled with his then wife for what was at that time a whopping divorce settlement. At that time he was reportedly in rehab for alcoholism and his overall behavior lead to the collapse of his marriage – it seems that even some of the best of us encounter bumps along the road. Here’s to hoping that all goes well with Catherine.
Madonna
Former Spouse: Guy Ritchie
Settlement: est. up to $92 Million
Ok, so this already sort of spoils our theory that the most expensive divorces only have one celebrity spouse. But come on, while Guy may be a relatively successful film director, he’s no Madge. The Material Girl is legendary for her numerous trysts and whirlwind romances, and while it seemed for a while that she had settled down it seems there just wasn’t enough between them to keep these two together.
Steven Spielberg
Former Spouse: Amy Irving
Settlement: $100 Million
Here’s a lesson for you. Never write your pre-nup on a napkin. That’s what genius, Academy Award winning director Spielberg prior to his 4 year marriage to the actress, and when they split, the napkin was as useless as… well, a napkin. Wonder why you haven’t seen much of Ms. Irving since 1989? Well, we wouldn’t pursue acting so seriously after that either.
Neil Diamond
Former Spouse: Marcia Murphey
Settlement: est. $150 Million
Before you put in ‘Sweet Caroline’ on the karaoke queue, take a moment of silence and remember that even the most romantic crooners don’t necessarily fulfill that romantic ideal. They did last 25 years together however, which is more than most celebrity marriages and real life marriages – so they were at least doing something right.
Michael Jordan
Former spouse: Juanita Jordan
Settlement: $168 Million
We do sincerely want to remember MJ as the greatest basketball player of all time, not a co-star to cartoons, an underwear spokesman or the most expensive divorce ever. At this point however, he does hold the record for the most expensive divorce and is the poster-child for writing up a pre-nuptial agreement prior to marriage. We think most sports stars have learned more than a few things from Mr. Jordan at this point.
Other people you may be surprised to hear had expensive divorces include Phil Collins ($47 Million), Kevin Costner ($80 Million!) and Harrison Ford ($85 Million). James Cameron settled for a mere $50 Million with T2’s Linda Hamilton, and who can forget the $49 Million Sir Paul McCartney had to pay that Heather Mills lady. The least expected person on this list ended up being Phil Collins, who somehow shelled out $47 Million to his third wife… and not to mention another $34 Million to his second wife. Even combined however, he’s not even halfway as expensive as Michael Jordan!
All this money was probably not worth the drama and tears and pain though. Or maybe it is? Let us know what you think in out comments section!
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