16 Most Expensive Celebrity Breakups Ever

Breakups can be messy, and for celebrities, they’re often expensive too. Some splits came with huge payouts or property battles. These 16 pricey breakups show just how costly love can be.

1. Jeff Bezos and MacKenzie Scott

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Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon, and his ex-wife MacKenzie Scott’s divorce in 2019 is considered the most expensive in history. MacKenzie received about 4% of Amazon’s stock, which was worth an estimated $36 billion at the time of their settlement.

2. Alec Wildenstein and Jocelyn Wildenstein

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Alec Wildenstein, a wealthy art dealer and racehorse owner, and Jocelyn Wildenstein, a socialite, divorced in 1999. Jocelyn reportedly received $2.5 billion upfront and $100 million annually for 13 years after.

3. Rupert Murdoch and Anna Torv

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Media mogul Rupert Murdoch and journalist Anna Torv ended their marriage in 1999 after 31 years. The settlement cost Murdoch $1.7 billion, including $110 million in cash.

4. Bernie and Slavica Ecclestone

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Bernie Ecclestone, the former chief executive of the Formula One Group, divorced Slavica Ecclestone, a former model, in 2009. The settlement was estimated at around $1 billion, although the exact figure is not public.

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5. Steve and Elaine Wynn

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Steve Wynn, a casino mogul, and his wife Elaine divorced for the second time in 2010. Elaine’s settlement included 11 million shares of Wynn Resorts Limited, valued at about $741 million.

6. Harold Hamm and Sue Ann Arnall

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Oil magnate Harold Hamm’s divorce from Sue Ann Arnall, in 2014, was notable for its large settlement. Arnall eventually cashed a check for $974.8 million, which represented the entirety of her court-awarded settlement.

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7. Adnan and Soraya Khashoggi

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Saudi Arabian businessman Adnan Khashoggi and his wife Soraya (formerly Sandra Daly) divorced in 1980. The settlement was reported to be around $874 million.

8. Craig McCaw and Wendy McCaw

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Craig McCaw, a pioneer in the cellular phone industry, divorced Wendy McCaw in 1997. The settlement was reported to be $460 million, primarily in Nextel Communications stock.

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9. Mel Gibson and Robyn Moore

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Actor Mel Gibson’s divorce from Robyn Moore in 2011 ended their 31-year marriage. Moore was awarded half of Gibson’s $850 million fortune, making the settlement approximately $425 million.

10. Robert and Sheila Johnson

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Robert Johnson, the co-founder of BET (Black Entertainment Television), and Sheila Johnson settled their divorce in 2002. Sheila received an estimated $400 million, making it one of the largest settlements at the time.

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11. Michael and Juanita Jordan

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NBA legend Michael Jordan and Juanita Vanoy divorced in 2006. The settlement was reported to be $168 million, one of the largest ever in sports history.

12. Tiger Woods and Elin Nordegren

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Professional golfer Tiger Woods and Elin Nordegren’s divorce in 2010 followed a highly-publicized scandal. Nordegren reportedly received a settlement of $100 million.

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13. Steven Spielberg and Amy Irving

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Director Steven Spielberg and actress Amy Irving divorced in 1989 after four years of marriage. Irving received a settlement of $100 million, half of Spielberg’s fortune at the time.

14. Harrison Ford and Melissa Mathison

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Actor Harrison Ford and screenwriter Melissa Mathison divorced in 2004 after 21 years of marriage. The settlement was reported to be in the range of $85 million to $118 million.

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15. Kevin Costner and Cindy Silva

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Actor Kevin Costner and Cindy Silva, his college sweetheart, divorced in 1994 after 16 years of marriage. Silva reportedly received $80 million in the settlement.

16. Madonna and Guy Ritchie

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Singer Madonna and director Guy Ritchie’s divorce in 2008 ended their eight-year marriage. Ritchie reportedly received between $76 and $92 million, a significant portion of Madonna’s fortune.

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18 Famous Couples Who Broke Up and Got Back Together

Celebrity relationships are often turbulent, with breakups and reconciliations that keep fans guessing. For some famous couples, love just wasn’t ready to let go, leading them to find their way back to each other. From legendary Hollywood pairs to modern-day superstars, these couples broke up only to rekindle their romance, proving that some connections are just too strong to stay apart.

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