Divorce is an unfortunate reality that many couples face, but some cases have gained widespread attention and captured the public’s imagination. These high-profile divorces often involve celebrities, public figures, or individuals with substantial wealth or influence.
From contentious battles over assets and custody to scandalous revelations, these cases have become part of American pop culture and legal history. In this article, we’ll explore the 11 most popular or high profile divorce cases that have captivated the nation.
1. The Brangelina Divorce: Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie
One of the most high-profile celebrity divorces of the 21st century was the split between Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, commonly known as “Brangelina.” After meeting on the set of “Mr. & Mrs. Smith” in 2005 and subsequently getting married in 2014, the power couple shocked the world when Jolie filed for divorce in 2016, citing irreconcilable differences. [Source]
The divorce proceedings were highly publicized, with allegations of substance abuse and disputes over child custody and the division of their multi-million dollar fortune. Their six children, including three adopted from various countries, became the center of a bitter custody battle that lasted years.
The divorce was finalized in 2019, but the legal battles continued, with both parties accusing each other of mishandling their shared businesses and assets.
2. The Trump Divorce: Donald and Ivana Trump
Long before Donald Trump became the 45th President of the United States, his highly publicized divorce from his first wife, Ivana Trump, dominated tabloid headlines in the early 1990s. The couple’s divorce proceedings were a media sensation, with allegations of infidelity, lavish lifestyles, and a bitter prenuptial agreement dispute.
The crux of the battle revolved around the division of assets, including Trump’s real estate empire and various business ventures. Ivana initially sought a staggering $25 million settlement, but ultimately received $14 million, a mansion in Connecticut, and a share of the couple’s numerous properties.
The Trump divorce case not only captivated the public but also set legal precedents regarding prenuptial agreements and the valuation of businesses during divorce proceedings.
3. The Murdoch Divorce: Rupert and Anna Murdoch
The divorce between media mogul Rupert Murdoch and his second wife, Anna Murdoch, was a high-stakes battle that captured global attention in 1999. With Murdoch’s vast media empire and wealth at stake, the divorce proceedings were closely watched by industry insiders and the public alike.
The divorce centered around the division of Murdoch’s multi-billion dollar assets, including his ownership of News Corp and various media properties. Anna Murdoch initially sought a settlement worth over $1 billion, but ultimately received a reported $1.7 billion, making it one of the most expensive divorces in history. [Source]
The case also highlighted issues of corporate governance and the potential conflicts of interest that can arise when personal and business interests intersect in high-profile divorces.
4. The Bezos Divorce: Jeff and MacKenzie Bezos
The divorce of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and his wife of 25 years, MacKenzie Bezos, in 2019 was one of the most expensive divorces in history. With Jeff Bezos being the richest man in the world at the time, the division of their $137 billion fortune was a closely watched legal battle.
The couple had no prenuptial agreement, and MacKenzie Bezos ultimately received a $35 billion settlement, which included a 4% stake in Amazon. Despite the staggering sum, the divorce was relatively amicable, with both parties releasing a joint statement expressing their continued respect for one another. [Source]
The Bezos divorce case highlighted the complexities of dividing assets in high-net-worth divorces and the potential impact on major corporations and their shareholders.
5. The Wynn Divorce: Steve and Elaine Wynn
The divorce between casino mogul Steve Wynn and his wife of 46 years, Elaine Wynn, was a contentious and drawn-out affair that played out in the public eye. The couple’s split, finalized in 2010, revolved around the division of their multi-billion dollar fortune and the control of Wynn Resorts, the company Steve Wynn founded.
Elaine Wynn initially sought a settlement worth $1 billion, but ultimately received a reported $741 million, along with a stake in Wynn Resorts. The case highlighted the complexities of dividing business interests and assets in high-net-worth divorces, as well as the potential impact on publicly traded companies.
6. The Johnson Divorce: Frank and Sue Johnson
While not a celebrity divorce, the case of Frank and Sue Johnson gained notoriety for its sheer complexity and the record-breaking settlement amount. The divorce between Frank and Sheila Johnson in 2001 resulted in an estimated settlement of $400 million. [Source]
The Johnson divorce case highlighted the complexities of dividing assets in high-net-worth divorces and the potential for contentious legal battles when substantial wealth is at stake.
7. The Woods Divorce: Tiger Woods and Elin Nordegren
The highly publicized divorce between professional golfer Tiger Woods and his wife, Elin Nordegren, in 2010 captivated the media and the public. The couple’s split followed revelations of Woods’ multiple affairs, which led to a highly publicized scandal and tarnished his reputation and endorsement deals.
The divorce proceedings centered around the division of assets, with Nordegren reportedly receiving a settlement of $100 million. The case highlighted the potential impact of high-profile scandals on divorce proceedings and the importance of protecting one’s brand and reputation in such cases.
8. The Cruise Divorce: Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes
The divorce between actors Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes in 2012 was a highly publicized affair that captured the attention of the media and the public. The couple’s split, after just six years of marriage, was reportedly due to differences in their beliefs and lifestyles.
The divorce proceedings were relatively quick and amicable, with Holmes reportedly receiving a reported $400,000 child support payment annually, in addition to a lump sum settlement. However, the case gained notoriety due to the couple’s high-profile status and the intense media scrutiny surrounding their relationship and the dissolution of their marriage. [Source]
9. The Garth Divorce: Jennie Garth and Peter Facinelli
While not as high-profile as some of the other cases on this list, the divorce between actors Jennie Garth and Peter Facinelli gained attention due to the couple’s celebrity status and the allegations of infidelity that surrounded their split.
The couple’s divorce, finalized in 2013 after 11 years of marriage, centered around the division of assets and custody of their three children. The proceedings were relatively amicable, with both parties reportedly receiving joint custody and a division of assets based on their prenuptial agreement.
The Garth-Facinelli divorce case highlighted the challenges faced by celebrity couples in navigating public scrutiny and the potential impact of infidelity allegations on divorce proceedings.
10. The Depp-Heard Divorce
One of the most highly publicized and controversial celebrity divorces of recent times was the split between actors Johnny Depp and Amber Heard. The couple’s marriage, which lasted from 2015 to 2017, was plagued by allegations of domestic abuse and toxic behavior from both parties.
The divorce proceedings were a media circus, with explosive claims and counterclaims of physical and emotional abuse. Heard accused Depp of being a “monster” when under the influence of drugs and alcohol, while Depp claimed that Heard was the instigator of violence and had fabricated allegations to gain an advantage in the divorce settlement.
The legal battle dragged on for years, with both parties suing each other for defamation and fighting over financial assets and reputational damage. The case garnered international attention, with fans and critics taking sides in the heated public debate.
Ultimately, Heard received a $7 million settlement from Depp, which she pledged to donate to charity. However, the fallout from the bitter divorce continued, with Depp suing Heard for $50 million over a 2018 op-ed she wrote about domestic abuse, and Heard countersuing for $100 million. [Source]