When a marriage comes to nowhere, a divorce comes. For some divorces, large sums paid out in the settlement can result from differences in international law, the absence of an official prenuptial agreement, or the circumstances surrounding of the breakup. Here are some most expensive divorce settlements in Hollywood history.
In 1967, Australian medial mogul Rupert Murdoch married Anna Tory, a Scottish-born cadet journalist. After 32 years of living together, the couple split up with $1.7 billion of Rupert\'s fortune going to Anna. This is the most costly settlement in the world to date. Seventeen days after the divorce, Murdoch married Chinese-born Deng Wendi who was a newly vice-president of STAR TV.
Settlement Amount: $1.7 billion
Harrison Ford and Hollywood regular Melissa Mathison broke up their marriage in 2004 after 18 years of living together. Mathison received approximately $85 million from Ford in the wake of the divorce.
Settlement Amount: $85 million
Steven Speilberg and aspiring actress Amy Irving first met in 1984. After four years of marriage, the couple broke up their marriage in a $100 million settlement after a judge controversially vacated a prenuptial agreement written on a napkin.
Settlement Amount: $100 million
Another costly divorce settlement was the 2008 breakup between pop star Madonna and director Guy Ritchie. After 8 years of living together, the successful director had to pay between $76-$92 million for the settlement.
Settlement Amount: $76 - $92 Million
Singer Neil Diamond married production assistant Marcia Murphey in December 1969. Despite 25 years of marriage and two sons, Jesse and Micah, Marcia filed for divorce due to rumors of Neil’s infidelity.
Settlement Amount: $150 million
From the 2003 divorce, Maya Polsky got half of fortune of her husband, the founder, president and CEO of Invenergy LLC. In 1976, the couple moved to the US with only $500 in cash and little assets. However, prior to the divorce, they had an estimated $368 million in cash and assets.
Settlement Amount: $184 million
Robert Johnson’s divorce contributed to the list of the biggest divorce settlement in history. The co-founder of BET and America’s first African-American billionaire and his wife Sheila Johnson split up in 2000. She got an estimated $400 million from Robert Johnson.
Settlement Amount: $400 million
Kevin Costner and Cindy Silva divorced in 1994. The divorce cost Costner $80 million.
Settlement Amount: $80 million
Basketball legend Michael Jordan and Juanita tended to divorce in January 2002 but they finally broke up their 17-year marriage in 2007 with a divorce settlement of $168 million.
Settlement Amount: $168 million
While married to Laura Andrassy, Australian golfer Greg Norman commissioned the 228 ft luxury yacht Aussie Rule. However, he had to hand over $103 million in the divorce settlement with his wife after 25 years of marriage.
Settlement Amount: $103 million
Related links:
The Most Expensive Celebrity Divorces
Divorce and Money
Most remarkable celebrity divorces
World's Most Expensive Breakups