Actors Who Were Sued by Their Own Ex-Spouses for Millions

Many prominent actors in Hollywood have faced significant legal challenges from their former spouses during and after divorce proceedings. These legal battles often involve millions of dollars in alimony, child support, or property settlements that attract intense media scrutiny. While some cases are resolved through private negotiations, others result in public lawsuits that expose intimate details of their personal lives. These high stakes disputes demonstrate the financial complexities that often accompany the end of a high profile celebrity marriage.

Johnny Depp

Johnny Depp faced a massive legal battle when his former wife Amber Heard made allegations of domestic abuse during their divorce proceedings. He later sued her for fifty million dollars in a defamation case that was televised for the entire world to see. The actor argued that the accusations had a devastating impact on his professional career and public image. After a long trial the jury awarded him several million dollars in damages. This legal conflict remains one of the most publicized disputes in modern Hollywood history.

Kevin Costner

Kevin Costner was sued by his former wife Christine Baumgartner for significant monthly support payments following the end of their long marriage. The actor sought to enforce the terms of their premarital agreement while his spouse requested hundreds of thousands of dollars for their children. Their legal teams engaged in a heated court battle over property rights and the definition of a lifestyle appropriate for their family. The judge eventually ruled on a figure that was lower than the initial request made by Baumgartner. This case highlighted the financial complexities involved when a high profile actor undergoes a divorce.

Brendan Fraser

Brendan Fraser was involved in a long legal dispute with his former wife Afton Smith regarding alimony and child support payments. The actor petitioned the court to reduce his obligations after his career earnings fluctuated following his work in ‘The Mummy’ franchise. Smith countered by alleging that he was hiding assets to avoid his financial responsibilities. The legal proceedings lasted for several years and were heavily documented in entertainment news. It serves as a notable example of the long term financial impact of divorce on major film stars.

Terrence Howard

Terrence Howard faced a lawsuit from his former wife Michelle Ghent who sought to increase her spousal support based on his success in the television series ‘Empire’. Ghent alleged that the actor had mistreated her and owed significant sums under their settlement agreement. Howard fought back in court and eventually saw a judge toss out the original settlement citing evidence of coercion. The case involved complex legal maneuvers and multiple appeals over the course of several years. It remains one of the more complicated financial disputes in recent celebrity history.

Hulk Hogan

Hulk Hogan underwent a very expensive divorce from his former wife Linda Hogan that resulted in the division of millions of dollars in assets. Linda claimed a large portion of their shared fortune including real estate and earnings from his professional wrestling career. The actor and wrestler eventually lost more than seventy percent of his liquid assets in the final settlement. The details of the lawsuit and the subsequent financial fallout were featured prominently on their reality television program. This high stakes case showed how quickly a massive net worth can be depleted during a contested divorce.

Mel Gibson

Mel Gibson faced a historic divorce settlement when his former wife Robyn Moore filed for the end of their thirty year marriage. Because the couple did not have a prenup the actor was legally required to share half of his nearly one billion dollar fortune. This included profits from his production company and his successful films like ‘Braveheart’. The settlement is often cited as one of the most expensive in Hollywood history. The legal process was lengthy but was handled mostly behind closed doors to protect the privacy of their children.

Charlie Sheen

Charlie Sheen has been sued multiple times by his former wives Denise Richards and Brooke Mueller over child support payments. Both women claimed that the actor was failing to meet his financial obligations as his income from ‘Two and a Half Men’ changed. The legal battles were often volatile and played out in the public eye through various court filings. Sheen frequently used social media to voice his frustrations with the legal system and his former partners. These disputes eventually led to restructured agreements that settled millions of dollars in claims.

Alec Baldwin

Alec Baldwin was involved in a highly contentious legal battle with Kim Basinger following their split in the early two thousands. The lawsuit focused on custody arrangements and the division of their considerable assets after their work together in ‘The Getaway’. The legal fees alone reached millions of dollars as the two stars fought over every detail of their agreement. Baldwin later wrote a book detailing his experiences with the family court system and the financial toll it took. Their dispute is still remembered for its intensity and the high costs involved.

Brad Pitt

Brad Pitt is currently engaged in a multi million dollar legal battle with his former wife Angelina Jolie over their shared winery in France. Jolie sold her stake in the business to a third party which prompted Pitt to sue her for breach of contract. The actor claims that they had a mutual understanding not to sell their shares without consent. This lawsuit has expanded to include allegations about their past relationship and the management of their joint assets. The case continues to move through the courts with massive legal expenses on both sides.

Tom Cruise

Tom Cruise faced a significant financial settlement when his marriage to Nicole Kidman ended after ten years. While the details were kept confidential reports indicated that the settlement involved hundreds of millions of dollars in property and cash. The legal proceedings were complicated by the high profile nature of their careers and their shared involvement in the film industry. Both actors have since moved on but the cost of the split remains a topic of interest for financial analysts. The case set a precedent for how major stars manage the dissolution of high net worth partnerships.

Arnold Schwarzenegger

Arnold Schwarzenegger and Maria Shriver were involved in a divorce process that took a full decade to finalize. Shriver sued for a divorce that would entitle her to half of the earnings the actor made during his time as a movie star and governor. Because they had no prenup the division of their multi million dollar estate was a complex legal task. The two eventually reached a confidential settlement that divided their assets and property holdings. This long legal road illustrates the difficulties of untangling decades of shared financial interests.

Harrison Ford

Harrison Ford reached a massive settlement with his former wife Melissa Mathison that was estimated at nearly one hundred million dollars. Mathison was a successful screenwriter who had been married to the actor during the height of his fame in the ‘Indiana Jones’ series. The legal negotiations involved future royalties from his films and the division of their various real estate holdings. Their divorce was finalized after several years of discussions between their respective legal teams. It remains one of the largest payouts ever made by a male actor in a divorce case.

Michael Douglas

Michael Douglas was sued by his former wife Diandra Luker years after their divorce was finalized. She claimed that she was entitled to a percentage of his earnings from the movie ‘Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps’. Luker argued that their original settlement agreement gave her rights to proceeds from any sequels or spin offs related to his older work. The legal battle took place in a New York court where Douglas eventually prevailed. This dispute showed how financial obligations from a past marriage can persist for decades.

Kelsey Grammer

Kelsey Grammer was sued by his former wife Camille Grammer for half of the assets he accumulated during their marriage. The actor was starring in the sitcom ‘Frasier’ at the time and had built a substantial net worth through television and voice work. Camille sought a settlement that included a large portion of his pension and future residuals. The legal battle was featured as a major storyline on the reality show ‘The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills’. They eventually reached a multi million dollar agreement that ended their legal ties.

Robert De Niro

Robert De Niro has been involved in a lengthy legal dispute with his former wife Grace Hightower over their premarital agreement. Hightower sought to challenge the terms of the contract to gain more than the five hundred thousand dollars per year stipulated. The actor argued that his finances were being strained by the demands of the lawsuit and his former wife’s spending habits. Court hearings revealed intimate details about the actor’s work schedule and his desire to retire. A judge eventually upheld the prenup but the legal fees reached millions of dollars.

Nicolas Cage

Nicolas Cage faced a lawsuit from his former wife Alice Kim during their divorce proceedings that focused on their financial arrangements. The actor had already dealt with significant tax issues and sought to protect his remaining assets during the split. Kim requested support that reflected the lavish lifestyle they maintained while he was starring in major action films. Their settlement was finalized with a significant payment that allowed both parties to move forward. This case was part of a series of financial challenges the actor faced throughout his career.

Eddie Murphy

Eddie Murphy settled with his former wife Nicole Mitchell for a sum reported to be around fifteen million dollars. Mitchell had been married to the actor for twelve years and helped raise their five children during his peak years in comedy. The lawsuit for the dissolution of the marriage was settled relatively quickly compared to other celebrity cases. The agreement included a substantial cash payment and provisions for their children. It remains a notable example of a high value settlement that was handled with minimal public drama.

Jim Carrey

Jim Carrey was sued by his first wife Melissa Womer for an increase in child support payments as his career reached new heights. Womer argued that the actor was making millions from films like ‘The Mask’ and should contribute more to their daughter’s upbringing. The legal battle was intense and involved detailed looks at the actor’s contracts and earnings. Carrey eventually agreed to a settlement that satisfied the court and his former spouse. This dispute highlighted the pressures on actors to adjust their support as they achieve global stardom.

Sean Penn

Sean Penn and Robin Wright ended their long marriage with a legal process that divided their shared assets and earnings. The two actors had worked together on several projects and had built a substantial life in Northern California. Their divorce lawsuit involved complex negotiations over their real estate and the future of their production interests. While the final terms were kept private it was understood to involve millions of dollars. Both stars have spoken about the difficulty of the process in subsequent years.

Dennis Quaid

Dennis Quaid faced a lawsuit from his former wife Kimberly Buffington who filed for divorce multiple times before the split became final. Buffington sought a large settlement that included spousal support and a share of the actor’s career earnings. The legal proceedings were complicated by the couple’s attempts at reconciliation and various disagreements over their premarital contract. They eventually reached an agreement that provided Buffington with millions of dollars in cash and property. This case demonstrated the volatile nature of celebrity legal disputes.

David Hasselhoff

David Hasselhoff was sued by his former wife Pamela Bach for significant alimony payments following their divorce. The actor argued in court that his income had decreased and that he could no longer afford the original support amount. Bach countered by claiming that he was still earning millions from ‘Baywatch’ residuals and international appearances. The legal battle lasted for years with both parties making frequent appearances in family court. Hasselhoff eventually succeeded in having his payments reduced after a long and expensive fight.

Steven Spielberg

Steven Spielberg had to pay one of the largest divorce settlements in history to his former wife Amy Irving. The actress successfully challenged their prenup because it had been written on a napkin without her having legal representation. A judge threw out the agreement and awarded Irving approximately one hundred million dollars. This case is frequently used in law schools as a cautionary tale about the importance of formal legal documents. Spielberg went on to marry Kate Capshaw but the financial impact of the Irving lawsuit was immense.

Dr. Dre

Dr. Dre faced a lawsuit from his former wife Nicole Young who requested two million dollars per month in temporary spousal support. The legal proceedings became increasingly contentious as the couple argued over the validity of their premarital agreement. Young also sought millions to cover her legal fees and other personal expenses during the transition. The actor and producer ultimately reached a massive settlement to resolve the ongoing litigation. This case was noted for the extremely high financial demands placed on the hip hop mogul.

Tyrese Gibson

Tyrese Gibson has been involved in several legal battles with his former wife Norma Mitchell regarding child support and legal fees. The actor frequently took to social media to express his distress over the cost of the litigation and the impact on his career. Mitchell sued for increased support and claimed that the actor was not being transparent about his earnings from the ‘Fast and Furious’ films. The court proceedings were often emotional and resulted in several orders for Gibson to pay large sums. These disputes have spanned over a decade of the actor’s life.

Forest Whitaker

Forest Whitaker was sued for spousal support by his former wife Keisha Nash after more than twenty years of marriage. The actor filed for divorce and requested that the court terminate the possibility of support for both parties. Nash responded with a legal filing asking for millions in assets and monthly payments to maintain her lifestyle. Their legal teams worked for months to divide their properties and determine a fair financial path forward. The divorce was eventually finalized with a confidential settlement that ended the litigation.

Ioan Gruffudd

Ioan Gruffudd is currently involved in a very public and contentious legal battle with his former wife Alice Evans. Evans has sued for support and made numerous public claims about the actor’s personal life and finances. Gruffudd has sought restraining orders and legal interventions to manage the situation and protect his career. The legal fees have reportedly cost the actor a large portion of his savings as the dispute continues in court. This case has become a major tabloid story due to the intensity of the legal filings.

Bill Murray

Bill Murray was sued for divorce by his former wife Jennifer Butler who made serious allegations about his behavior and lifestyle. Butler sought a large settlement and the primary custody of their children while claiming the actor had breached their marital agreements. The lawsuit resulted in a multi million dollar settlement that ended their nearly ten year marriage. Murray has generally avoided speaking about the legal proceedings in the years since they were finalized. This case was a rare instance of the private actor’s domestic life being exposed in public documents.

Chris Rock

Chris Rock faced a lawsuit from his former wife Malaak Compton Landis who sought a large portion of his wealth after nearly twenty years together. The actor admitted to being unfaithful and the legal proceedings focused on the division of his comedy and film earnings. Compton Landis argued that she was entitled to maintain the luxury lifestyle they had established during their marriage. The two eventually reached a settlement that was rumored to be worth tens of millions of dollars. Rock later used the experience as material for his stand up comedy specials.

Martin Lawrence

Martin Lawrence settled a divorce lawsuit with his former wife Patricia Southall after only two years of marriage. Southall requested millions of dollars in support and a share of the actor’s earnings from his successful television show and movies. The legal process was resolved relatively quickly but involved a significant financial transfer. Lawrence has been married multiple times and has faced various legal challenges related to his personal life. This settlement remains one of the more significant financial events of his early career.

Usher

Usher was sued by his former wife Tameka Foster in a series of legal battles over child custody and financial support. Foster sought to increase the actor’s monthly payments and challenged their original divorce agreement in court. The legal proceedings were highly publicized and included testimony about the actor’s parenting and his professional schedule. A judge eventually ruled in favor of the actor on several key points but the litigation cost millions in legal fees. The two have continued to interact through the court system for many years.

Sylvester Stallone

Sylvester Stallone was briefly sued for divorce by his former wife Jennifer Flavin who alleged that he was wasting marital assets. The lawsuit sought to freeze his spending and gain a larger share of their massive fortune built on the ‘Rocky’ and ‘Rambo’ franchises. Flavin claimed that the actor was hiding certain financial moves from her during their long marriage. However the couple decided to reconcile shortly after the lawsuit was filed and the legal proceedings were dismissed. This incident provided a rare glimpse into the financial tensions within a long term Hollywood marriage.

Jeremy Renner

Jeremy Renner has faced ongoing legal disputes with his former wife Sonni Pacheco regarding child support and the use of his funds. Pacheco sued for additional payments and alleged that the actor had not been fulfilling his financial obligations. The legal filings included claims about the actor’s spending habits and his behavior during their short marriage. Renner has fought these claims in court and sought to maintain control over his earnings from the ‘Marvel’ films. The dispute has been a constant source of media attention for the actor.

Gary Coleman

Gary Coleman was involved in a complex legal battle with his former wife Shannon Price that continued even after his death. Price sued for the right to his estate and claimed that they were still common law spouses despite their official divorce. The legal fight involved his medical records and the rights to his remaining assets and image. A judge eventually ruled against Price and found that she was not entitled to the estate. This case highlighted the legal complications that can arise when former spouses maintain close ties.

Clint Eastwood

Clint Eastwood was sued for spousal support by his former wife Dina Eastwood after their marriage of seventeen years ended. Dina requested a significant monthly sum and the payment of her legal fees throughout the divorce process. The actor who has a net worth in the hundreds of millions sought to limit the payout based on their premarital agreement. They eventually reached a settlement that divided their property and established a financial plan for the future. The case was handled with the typical privacy that the actor maintains for his personal life.

Danny DeVito

Danny DeVito and Rhea Perlman have faced several legal and financial questions since their separation several years ago. While they have not finalized a divorce they have had to manage the division of their shared production company and real estate holdings. Their legal advisors have worked to ensure that their multi million dollar fortune is protected while they live separate lives. The two actors remain close friends but the legal implications of their separation remain a significant matter. This unique situation shows how some actors choose to avoid a final court battle.

Jesse Williams

Jesse Williams was sued by his former wife Aryn Drake Lee for millions in child support and alimony after his exit from ‘Greys Anatomy’. Drake Lee argued that the actor’s high earnings justified a substantial monthly payment to maintain their children’s lifestyle. Williams sought to have the payments reduced after his income changed following his departure from the show. The legal battle lasted for years and involved multiple court appearances and filings. They eventually reached a restructured agreement that settled their financial differences.

Johnny Knoxville

Johnny Knoxville was sued for divorce by his former wife Naomi Nelson who requested spousal support and a division of their assets. The actor who gained fame through the ‘Jackass’ franchise had accumulated significant wealth during their marriage. The legal proceedings focused on the protection of his earnings and the future of their shared properties. Their settlement was finalized with a multi million dollar agreement that allowed both parties to move forward privately. This case followed the actor’s first divorce which also involved a significant financial settlement.

Tobey Maguire

Tobey Maguire reached a quiet but expensive legal settlement with his former wife Jennifer Meyer. Meyer is a successful jewelry designer and the daughter of a major Hollywood executive which made their financial negotiations particularly complex. The lawsuit for divorce involved the division of their multi million dollar art collection and real estate. They worked with private mediators to avoid a public court battle over their fortune. The resulting agreement provided for their children and ensured a fair distribution of their shared wealth.

Channing Tatum

Channing Tatum is currently in a legal dispute with his former wife Jenna Dewan over the profits from the ‘Magic Mike’ franchise. Dewan argues that the business was developed during their marriage and that she is entitled to a significant share of the ongoing earnings. The actor has challenged this claim and the two have been in and out of court for several years. The lawsuit involves millions of dollars and has become increasingly contentious as they fail to reach an agreement. It is one of the most significant active financial disputes in the film industry.

Josh Lucas

Josh Lucas was sued by his former wife Jessica Ciencin Henriquez during a difficult divorce that involved claims for support. The legal proceedings were complicated by the couple’s multiple attempts to reconcile after the initial filing. Henriquez sought a settlement that would provide long term financial security for her and their son. The actor worked through the legal system to reach a final agreement that was satisfactory to the court. This case showed the emotional and financial strain of a high profile split.

Christian Slater

Christian Slater faced a lawsuit from his former wife Ryan Haddon during their divorce in the mid two thousands. Haddon requested a large settlement and custody of their children following a series of public incidents involving the couple. The legal battle was settled with a multi million dollar payout that included property and cash. Slater has since rebuilt his career and personal life but the cost of the divorce was a major hurdle at the time. This case was a staple of entertainment news during its progression.

David Arquette

David Arquette and Courteney Cox finalized their divorce with a legal agreement that divided their shared production interests and real estate. While the process was described as amicable it still involved the division of millions of dollars in assets. The actors had worked together on the ‘Scream’ franchise and built a successful business during their marriage. Their legal teams ensured that the transition was handled professionally to protect their daughter and their career interests. The settlement allowed both stars to maintain their financial independence.

Richard Gere

Richard Gere was involved in a long legal battle with his former wife Carey Lowell over his hundred million dollar fortune. Lowell sued for a settlement that reflected the high standard of living they enjoyed during their eleven year marriage. The legal proceedings lasted for several years as they disagreed on the valuation of certain assets. They eventually reached a confidential agreement that was approved by a judge in Manhattan. This case highlighted the challenges of dividing a large estate between two high profile individuals.

Paul Hogan

Paul Hogan was sued for a massive divorce settlement by his former wife and costar Linda Kozlowski. The actress requested a large sum and a share of the royalties from the ‘Crocodile Dundee’ films which had made Hogan a global star. The legal negotiations were complex and involved international assets in both the United States and Australia. They eventually reached a settlement that provided Kozlowski with millions of dollars and a home in Venice Beach. This ended one of the most famous partnerships in eighties cinema.

Ewan McGregor

Ewan McGregor faced a significant legal challenge from his former wife Eve Mavrakis who sought half of his fortune. The lawsuit involved the actor’s earnings from the ‘Star Wars’ sequels and his many other successful film projects. Mavrakis argued that she had supported his career for over twenty years and was entitled to an equal share of his success. The court battle was long and resulted in a settlement that gave Mavrakis a large portion of the actor’s past and future royalties. It was a major financial blow to the actor during a transitional period in his life.

Ben Affleck

Ben Affleck settled his divorce from Jennifer Garner with a legal agreement that divided their substantial joint assets. The couple had no prenup which meant that all earnings during their ten year marriage were subject to equal division. The lawsuit for divorce was handled with great care to avoid public leaks about their private finances. They eventually reached a multi million dollar settlement that included their primary residence and various investments. The two have continued to co parent while managing their individual wealth.

Chris Pratt

Chris Pratt and Anna Faris reached a legal settlement that ended their marriage and divided their shared assets. The actors were at similar stages in their careers when they married but Pratt’s income soared following ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’. Their divorce lawsuit involved the creation of a trust for their son and the division of their real estate. The legal process was handled efficiently by their attorneys to minimize the impact on their public images. Both stars have since moved on to new relationships while maintaining their financial independence.

Ben Stiller

Ben Stiller and Christine Taylor managed their separation with a legal process that protected their significant wealth and business interests. The actors had appeared together in films like ‘Zoolander’ and ‘Dodgeball’ which added a layer of complexity to their financial split. Their legal teams worked to divide their property and investments without a public court battle. Although they eventually reconciled the initial legal filings involved millions of dollars in potential settlements. This case showed how established couples navigate the legalities of a high worth separation.

Orlando Bloom

Orlando Bloom and Miranda Kerr finalized their divorce with a legal agreement that settled their financial obligations. The actor and the model had accumulated significant individual wealth but had shared assets that required legal division. The lawsuit for the end of the marriage was settled privately with a focus on their young son. The settlement involved a multi million dollar transfer of assets and a plan for ongoing support. Both parties have remained on good terms in the years following the legal conclusion of their marriage.

John Cleese

John Cleese famously complained about the massive settlement he had to pay to his former wife Alyce Faye Eichelberger. The actor was sued for a large portion of his wealth and eventually had to pay out approximately twenty million dollars. He claimed that the legal battle forced him to go back on tour to earn enough money to cover the payments. The case was a major topic in the British and American press due to the actor’s candid comments about the cost of divorce. It remains one of the most cited examples of a male actor facing a massive financial loss in court.

Please share your thoughts on these high profile celebrity legal battles in the comments.