While celebrity divorces often make headlines, the financial settlements can be staggering. Here are ten female celebrities who found themselves on the paying end of divorce settlements, each with unique circumstances and outcomes.
1. Madonna and Guy Ritchie – Up to $92 Million
In 2008, pop icon Madonna and British director Guy Ritchie finalized their divorce after eight years of marriage. The settlement was reported to be up to $92 million, making it one of the most expensive celebrity divorces at the time. The couple also reached a custody agreement over their son, Rocco, allowing him to remain in London with his father. Madonna later revealed in a podcast that she contemplated suicide during the painful custody battle, which left her emotionally devastated. Reuters+2ABC News+2
2. Roseanne Barr and Tom Arnold – $50 Million
Comedian Roseanne Barr married fellow comedian Tom Arnold in 1990. Their 1994 divorce resulted in Barr paying Arnold $50 million in spousal support. The hefty sum was due to the absence of a prenuptial agreement, which Barr later admitted was a significant oversight. Interestingly, Barr had fired her attorney for suggesting the couple get a prenup. Brian D. Perskin & Associates P.C.+1
3. Janet Jackson and René Elizondo Jr. – $10 Million
Janet Jackson’s secretive marriage to René Elizondo Jr. ended in 2000. Elizondo sued for $25 million, claiming duress during the signing of their prenuptial agreement. The couple settled in 2003, with Jackson paying Elizondo $10 million. The settlement was finalized three years after the divorce was filed. MadameNoire
4. Toni Braxton and Keri Lewis – Alimony Payments
Singer Toni Braxton divorced Keri Lewis in 2013. Lewis, who had been her manager, was awarded alimony payments as part of the settlement. Braxton later expressed mixed feelings about the arrangement, noting the challenges of paying spousal support. Lewis confirmed receiving alimony for around three years between 2012 and 2014, stating he didn’t even use an attorney in their divorce. TV One
5. Mary J. Blige and Kendu Isaacs – $30,000/Month
Mary J. Blige’s 2016 divorce from her manager Kendu Isaacs included a monthly spousal support payment of $30,000. Isaacs had initially requested over $120,000 per month, but the court settled on the $30,000 amount. Blige had filed for divorce citing irreconcilable differences and had asked to terminate the court’s ability to award spousal support to Isaacs. People.com
6. Halle Berry and Gabriel Aubry – $16,000/Month
Actress Halle Berry agreed to pay her ex-boyfriend Gabriel Aubry $16,000 per month in child support following their 2010 split. The arrangement was made to support their daughter, Nahla. Berry was also required to pay a retroactive sum of $115,000 and cover Aubry’s legal fees amounting to $300,000. The court ordered the child support payments to continue until Nahla turns 19 years old or graduates from high school, whichever comes first. Stange Law Firm, PC+1
7. Halle Berry and Olivier Martinez – $8,000/Month
In 2016, Halle Berry’s divorce from actor Olivier Martinez included a monthly child support payment of $8,000 for their son, Maceo. Additionally, Berry agreed to pay 4.3% of her income exceeding $2 million to Martinez. Berry is also responsible for covering their son’s medical expenses, health insurance, school tuition, and extracurricular costs. The couple agreed to joint legal custody and co-parenting therapy to effectively raise their son. Los Angeles Times+1
8. Britney Spears and Kevin Federline – $20,000/Month
Pop star Britney Spears divorced dancer Kevin Federline in 2007. As part of the settlement, Spears was ordered to pay $20,000 per month in child support for their two sons. Federline also received a $1 million lump sum. In 2018, the court ordered an increase in child support to $40,000 per month, totaling $480,000 per year. Spears has reportedly continued to support her children in every way possible. Newsweek+1
9. Kirstie Alley and Parker Stevenson – $6 Million
Actress Kirstie Alley divorced actor Parker Stevenson in 1997. Stevenson initially sought $18,000 per month in spousal support. The couple settled with Alley agreeing to a one-time payment of $6 million. The settlement was finalized after a lengthy legal battle.
10. Elizabeth Taylor and Larry Fortensky – $1 Million
Legendary actress Elizabeth Taylor’s 1996 divorce from construction worker Larry Fortensky included a $1 million spousal support payment. Despite their split, Taylor left Fortensky $825,000 in her will. The couple had met at the Betty Ford Center and married in a private ceremony.
These cases highlight that divorce settlements can be substantial for both parties, regardless of gender. The financial arrangements often reflect the circumstances and agreements made during the dissolution of the marriage.
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