Divorce is undoubtedly one of the most devastating and heart-wrenching phase of a person's life. It signifies the end of a once-promising union, leaving behind shattered dreams which they saw together and emotional turmoil for both the partners involved. However, amidst all the pain, every person must prioritise one's mental health and happiness. Even after your multiple efforts, things aren’t going in the right direction. Therefore, it’s better to divorce before everything becomes toxic.
There’s no denying the fact that, in recent times, the divorce rate has increased drastically. Also, divorces are not restricted to the lives of ordinary people, as we have seen so many celebrity couples parting ways with each other after decades of married life. However, when it comes to celebrity divorce, it is always the alimony money that becomes a hot topic of discussion among people. In recent decades, the world has witnessed huge alimony amounts given to women by their partners, making them one of the richest women in the world overnight. So today, we will look at some of these settlements that shocked the entire globe.
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The ex-couple, who used to be renowned by the tag ‘philanthropic couple’, Bill Gates and Melinda Gates surprised the entire world when they announced their divorce on May 3, 2021. After a mature and mutual discussion, the veteran couple marked the end of 27 years of their marriage. When the divorce was announced, everyone wanted to know the alimony amount, as we were talking about one of the richest people in the world.
However, the exact alimony amount in Bill Gates and Melinda Gates' divorce was not disclosed in the media. But, as per multiple media reports, it is believed that Bill Gates had made a substantial payment to his ex-wife, Melinda Gates. The co-founder of Microsoft is currently the world's sixth richest person, with a net worth of 114 billion USD, after he gave an estimated sum of 73 billion USD to Melinda Gates, making her one of the wealthiest women in the world.
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The founder of Amazon and the wealthiest person globally with a net worth of 137.8 billion USD, Jeff Bezos is the third richest person in the world. However, a big setback for the billionaire came in the shape of divorce in his life. After leading a married life with his wife, Mackenzie Bezos, for almost 26 years, Jeff and Mackenzie parted ways on January 4, 2019. Talking about the divorce settlement, Jeff paid a staggering sum of 38 billion USD as part of the agreement to his wife, Mackenzie.
Alec Wildenstein was a Swiss-American businessman and art dealer. He was one of the wealthiest people in the world and suffered personally and professionally when his 21-year-old marriage with Jocelyn Wildenstein ended in 1999. The couple had two children, Diane and Alec Jr.
As part of their divorce settlement, Jocelyn received a mammoth sum of 2.5 billion USD in alimony and an annual payment of 100 million USD for the subsequent 13 years. The total value of the settlement amounted to 3.8 billion USD, making it among the most costliest divorce cases ever recorded.
World-famous oil magnate, Harold Hamm and his ex-wife, Sue Ann Arnall concluded their divorce proceedings back in 2014. If the reports are to be believed, Harold paid a sum of 974.8 million USD as alimony to Sue Ann. This high-profile divorce case attracted attention due to the substantial financial figures involved and the subsequent legal battles over the settlement amount.
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As reported by CNN, in December 2021, the affluent ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum was mandated to provide his ex-spouse, Princess Haya bint al-Hussein with a remarkable sum of 728 million USD. The high-profile divorce case attracted significant attention due to accusations of extramarital relationships and threats reportedly from both parties.
The famous American-born Australian actor, director, and producer, Mel Gibson is not just famous for his professional work, as it was his divorce settlement with his ex-wife, Robyn Moore that caught everyone’s attention back in 2011. When the couple ended their almost three-decade-long marriage, Robyn Moore received a settlement amount of 425 million USD from her ex-husband, Mel Gibson leaving everyone absolutely stunned.
The basketball legend, Michael Jordan went through a heartbreaking divorce from his wife, Juanita Jordan, that broke him emotionally and financially. After 17 years of marriage, the ex-couple called it off in 2006. However, this wasn't their first instance of contemplating divorce, as Juanita had previously filed for divorce back in 2002. Regarding the alimony, Juanita received a staggering payout of 168 million USD entering into the list of people, who have received significant divorce settlements.
The iconic filmmaker and producer, Steven Spielberg's first marriage with actress, Amy Irving lasted for just four years. Even then, their divorce is still on the list of Hollywood's costliest divorce settlements ever. As per multiple reports, Steven Spielberg reportedly paid an estimated sum of 100 million USD to his wife, Amy, as a divorce settlement.
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The iconic singer, songwriter and actress, Madonna paid an estimated amount of money ranging from 76 million to 92 million USD to her husband, Guy Ritchie, when they separated back in 2008. However, their relationship continued to be filled with drama as they became entangled in a custody battle over their son, Rocco, in more recent times.
Popular Hollywood actor, Harrison Ford’s divorce from his ex-wife, Melissa Mathison, in 2004 was widely circulated in the newspapers and on the internet. Well, the reason behind it was the fact that the ex-couple called off their 21 years of marriage. However, much more than that, it was the mammoth sum of 85 million USD, which Harrison Ford paid to Melissa as a settlement. Harrison Ford's prominence as an actor and his successful career added a notable dimension to their high-profile divorce, as the entire world was hooked on his divorce episode.
All the settlement amounts mentioned in the list are absolutely bonkers. However, which couple’s settlement price shocked you the most? Let us know.
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