9 Celebrity Divorces That Cost Not Only Nerves but Also Mints of Money

Some famous marriages ended with incredibly expensive divorces for some of the richest people. The breakups sometimes led to millions in legal fees, and in a few cases, celebrities had to give away half of their wealth.

Dr. Dre

In 2021, rapper Dr. Dre settled a $100 million divorce with his wife of 24 years, Nicole Young. He had to pay her two chunks of $50 million each. The first payment happened right after the divorce, and the second one was set for 2022.

Tom Cruise

Divorce often brings hefty child support responsibilities. Tom Cruise, the Mission Impossible actor, won’t have to pay child support for too much longer. Following his 2012 divorce from “Dawson’s Creek” actress Katie Holmes, he was instructed to provide $400,000 a year for their daughter Suri.

This financial commitment lasts for 12 years, until Suri turns 18 in 2024, totaling $4.8 million.

Lionel Richie

Following Lionel Richie and Diane Alexander’s divorce in 2004, reports suggest she got around $20 million in the settlement. In her request for alimony, she apparently asked for a monthly allowance of $50,000 for things like massages and manicures, $15,000 for clothes, and an extra $20,000 annually for cosmetic surgery.

Ariana Grande

After Ariana Grande and Dalton Gomez split in 2023, it’s said that Ariana will give Dalton $1.25 million and help with up to $25,000 for his legal expenses instead of regular support payments. It’s been said that they will also complete paying the remaining $6 million on their mortgage, sell the house, and then share the profits equally, with each getting half.

Michael Jordan

The divorce of NBA legend Michael Jordan from his wife and former model Juanita Vanoy in 2006 is often considered one of the priciest celebrity splits.

The Chicago Bulls star handed over a whopping $168 million as part of the divorce settlement and an additional $2.1 million for legal fees after their 17-year marriage.

Madonna

In 2008, when Madonna and Guy Ritchie got divorced, reports say she gave him $76–92 million, which included the value of Ashcombe House, the Georgian manor they bought in the UK.

Jennifer Lopez

Jennifer Lopez’s marriage to former backup dancer Cris Judd was short-lived, lasting less than a year and reportedly costing the actress and singer $14 million after their 2003 divorce.

This marriage was the second of her four unions.

Jeff Bezos

In 2019, after the divorce of Jeff Bezos and Mackenzie Scott, it was reported that a 4% stake in Amazon, valued at $38 billion, was transferred to her—making it the largest divorce settlement at the time.

Arnold Schwarzenegger

Maria Shriver, from the Kennedy family, and movie star Arnold Schwarzenegger divorced in 2011 after 25 years of marriage.

Schwarzenegger fathered a child with his housekeeper, which led to the split. The divorce settlement was estimated to be between $250 million and $375 million.

Divorce is tough for anyone, but for those who are both famous and wealthy, it adds an extra layer of difficulty. The public spotlight and substantial assets often intensify the challenges of navigating through the emotional and financial aspects of a breakup.