From Oklahoma native Sue Ann Arnall who demanded more money than the $974 million cheque she received from her ex-husband Harold Hamm, a billionaire oil tycoon who was worth more than $8 billion in 2015, to South Korean ex-First Daughter who was awarded a whopping $1bn in divorce settlement earlier this week, women who know their fundamental human rights have refused to be shortchanged on account of divorce.
Here are some of the most expensive divorce cases.
Jeff Bezos and Mackenzie Scott
In 2019, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, the world’s wealthiest individual with a net worth of $197 billion, ended his 26-year marriage to MacKenzie Scott, finalising their divorce with a settlement of $38 billion.
Bill Gates and Melinda French
In May of 2021, the news broke that Bill and Melinda Gates had officially filed for divorce after 27 years of marriage, citing irreconcilable differences. Details regarding the divorce were never made public, even after it was finalized.
At the time of filing, Gates had a net worth of $130 billion. Sources reported that Melinda walked away with $76 billion, but it was not confirmed. Two years later, Bill Gates has a net worth of around $104 billion, according to Forbes.
Meanwhile, in mid May 2024, Melinda resigned from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and walked away with $12.5bn to fund her own personal charity or NGO.
Alec and Jocelyn Wildenstein
In 1999, French-American businessman and art dealer Alec Wildenstein ended his 21-year marriage to Jocelyn Wildenstein, resulting in a divorce settlement worth $3.8 billion, with Jocelyn receiving an initial $2.5 billion and an additional $100 million annually for 13 years.
Rupert Murdoch and Anna Maria Torv
Rupert Murdoch and Anna Torv Mann, married for over three decades and parents of three, separated in 1999. Their divorce settlement was valued between $1.2 and $1.7 billion, equivalent to approximately $40-56 million per year of marriage.
Bernie Ecclestone and Slavica Radic
Bernie Ecclestone, former chief executive of Formula One group, ended his 25-year marriage to model Slavica Radic in 2009, with a reported divorce settlement of $1.2 billion.
Steve and Elaine Wynn
Steve and Elaine Wynn, Las Vegas casino moguls, had two marriages spanning 1963-1986 and 1991-2010. Their second divorce in 2010 resulted in a settlement worth $1 billion to Elaine, including $741 million in Wynn Resorts stock, the company they co-founded.
Harold Hamm and Sue Ann Arnall
In 2014, oil tycoon Harold Hamm finalised his divorce from Sue Ann Arnall, paying her $974.8 million in a single settlement payment.
Adnan and Soraya Khashoggi
According to Forbes, the late Saudi billionaire Adnan Khashoggi paid his ex-wife Soraya Khashoggi a divorce settlement of $874 million in 1982, equivalent to $42 million per year of their 21-year marriage, in an out-of-court agreement.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum & Princess Haya bint al-Hussein
In December 2021, the Dubai ruler was court-ordered to pay a $728 million to his ex-wife, Princess Haya, ending a prolonged divorce battle marked by allegations of infidelity and threats. The settlement will cover Princess Haya’s lifelong security expenses and ongoing costs for their two children, Al Jalila and Sheikh Zayed, according to CNN.
Tiger Woods and Elin Nordegren
Tiger Woods and Elin Nordegren finalised their divorce in August 2010, after five years of marriage, with Elin receiving a reported $100 million settlement, equivalent to $20 million per year of marriage.
Stephen Spielberg and Amy Irving
Film director Steven Spielberg’s 1989 divorce from Amy Irving, his wife of four years, resulted in a settlement worth $100 million, equivalent to half his wealth at the time, or $25 million per year of marriage.
Paul McCartney and Heather Mills
Paul McCartney’s ex-wife, Heather Mills, received a divorce settlement of $50 million, translating to $12.5 million per year for their four-year marriage.
Harrison Ford and Melissa Mathison
The Indiana Jones actor Harrison Ford’s 1994 divorce from Melissa Mathison, his wife of 18 years and mother of two of his children, resulted in a settlement of $90 million, equivalent to $5 million per year of marriage.
Michael Douglas and Diandra Douglas
Two-time Academy Award winner Michael Douglas’s 23-year marriage to Diandra Douglas ended in a divorce settlement of $45 million, which translates to approximately $2 million per year of their marriage.
Madonna and Guy Ritchie
Madonna’s divorce from film director Guy Ritchie in 2008 reportedly resulted in a settlement of $76 – $92 million, paid to the British film director and her ex-husband of eight years. The specifics of their agreement remain private, so the exact reasons for the payment amount aren’t publicly disclosed.
