MomSkoop
When famous couples split up, the price tag can be absolutely shocking. Some celebrity divorces have cost hundreds of millions of dollars, which is more money than many Hollywood blockbusters spend on production. These settlements include mansions, private jets, artwork, and massive cash payments that make your jaw drop. Understanding how much money changes hands in these splits shows just how wealthy some celebrities really are.
1. Jeff and MacKenzie Bezos – $38 Billion Settlement
When Amazon founder Jeff Bezos divorced novelist MacKenzie Scott in 2019, it became the most expensive divorce in history. The settlement totaled a staggering $38 billion, making MacKenzie one of the richest women on Earth overnight.
To put this in perspective, that amount could fund over 250 major Hollywood movies with $150 million budgets each. MacKenzie received 25% of their Amazon stock, which she has since used for incredible charitable work. The couple had been married for 25 years and raised four children together.
Despite the massive financial split, both parties handled everything relatively quietly and respectfully, setting an unusual example in celebrity breakups.
2. Alec and Jocelyn Wildenstein – $3.8 Billion Battle
Art dealer Alec Wildenstein and his wife Jocelyn went through one of the nastiest and most expensive divorces ever recorded. Their 1999 split resulted in Jocelyn receiving $2.5 billion in the settlement plus $100 million annually for 13 years.
The total came to approximately $3.8 billion, enough to produce dozens of epic movie franchises. Jocelyn discovered Alec’s affair in their New York mansion, which sparked the bitter legal battle. The case became famous not just for the money but for the dramatic courtroom scenes and accusations.
Their divorce showed how wealthy art-collecting families operate on a completely different financial level than most people can imagine.
3. Rupert and Anna Murdoch – $1.7 Billion Media Empire Split
Media mogul Rupert Murdoch divorced his wife Anna in 1999 after 32 years of marriage. Anna walked away with $1.7 billion in cash and assets, one of the largest settlements at that time. Their three children watched as their parents divided a massive media empire that included newspapers, television networks, and film studios.
This divorce settlement alone could have financed more than ten big-budget superhero movies. Anna later said the divorce was devastating emotionally, despite the enormous payout.
Rupert remarried just weeks after the divorce was finalized, which added extra drama to an already complicated situation for the family.
4. Bernie and Slavica Ecclestone – $1.2 Billion Formula One Fortune
Formula One boss Bernie Ecclestone and former model Slavica ended their marriage in 2009 with a settlement worth $1.2 billion. Slavica, who stood nearly a foot taller than Bernie, had been married to him for 24 years. She received cash, properties, and other valuable assets from his racing empire.
That amount could easily cover the budgets for eight major action movies. The couple tried to keep details private, but the massive sum eventually became public knowledge. They had two daughters together who were affected by the high-profile split.
Despite the breakup, both maintained professional relationships within the racing world.
5. Mel and Robyn Gibson – $425 Million Hollywood Breakup
Actor and director Mel Gibson divorced his wife Robyn in 2011 after 31 years of marriage and seven children together. Because they married before Mel became super famous and had no prenuptial agreement, Robyn received roughly half of everything. The settlement totaled around $425 million, making it one of Hollywood’s priciest divorces.
You could make nearly three big-budget adventure films with that kind of money. Their split was finalized during a difficult period in Mel’s career when he faced several controversies.
Robyn stayed out of the spotlight throughout the process, focusing on their large family instead of public drama.
6. Arnold Schwarzenegger and Maria Shriver – $375 Million Scandal
Terminator star Arnold Schwarzenegger and journalist Maria Shriver ended their 25-year marriage in 2011 following a shocking revelation. Arnold had fathered a child with their housekeeper, which devastated Maria and their four children. The divorce settlement reached approximately $375 million, split from Arnold’s massive fortune earned through movies, real estate, and business ventures.
That sum could produce multiple science-fiction blockbusters like the ones Arnold starred in. The scandal dominated headlines for months as details emerged about the secret child. Maria, part of the famous Kennedy family, handled the situation with dignity despite the public humiliation.
Their divorce took years to finalize legally.
7. Michael and Juanita Jordan – $168 Million Basketball Fortune
Basketball legend Michael Jordan divorced his wife Juanita in 2006 after 17 years of marriage. Juanita received $168 million in the settlement, which was considered enormous for athlete divorces at the time. They had three children together and had actually filed for divorce once before but reconciled.
This amount could fully fund a major sports movie with money left over for marketing. Michael’s earnings from Nike, endorsements, and his NBA career created the fortune they divided.
Despite the hefty price tag, both parents remained committed to co-parenting their kids successfully. The divorce was handled relatively privately compared to other celebrity splits of that era.
8. Neil Diamond and Marcia Murphey – $150 Million Musical Split
Singer-songwriter Neil Diamond divorced his second wife, Marcia Murphey, in 1995 after 25 years together. Marcia walked away with $150 million, which Neil later jokingly called the most expensive date of his life. They had two sons during their marriage, which spanned Neil’s most successful recording years.
That settlement could produce a full musical movie with elaborate sets and costumes. Neil’s hits like “Sweet Caroline” and “Cracklin’ Rosie” generated massive royalties that contributed to the fortune.
Despite the huge payout, Neil spoke about the divorce with humor in interviews, showing he harbored no bitterness. He continued his successful music career afterward.
9. Steven Spielberg and Amy Irving – $100 Million Napkin Contract
Director Steven Spielberg divorced actress Amy Irving in 1989 after just four years of marriage. Amy received $100 million in the settlement, partly because their prenuptial agreement was written on a napkin and deemed invalid in court. They had one son together during their brief marriage.
This amount equals the budget of many major Hollywood productions that Steven himself would later direct. The case became famous for showing why proper legal documents matter, even for smart people.
Amy’s career continued in theater and film after the split. Steven went on to marry actress Kate Capshaw, and their marriage has lasted over three decades with a proper prenup.
10. Tiger Woods and Elin Nordegren – $100 Million Infidelity Fallout
Golf superstar Tiger Woods and Swedish model Elin Nordegren divorced in 2010 following revelations of Tiger’s multiple affairs. Elin received approximately $100 million in the settlement plus child support for their two young children. The scandal destroyed Tiger’s squeaky-clean image and cost him numerous endorsement deals worth millions more.
That settlement amount matches the production budget of a major action blockbuster. The media frenzy surrounding their split was intense, with tabloids publishing new details almost daily.
Elin used her settlement wisely, investing in real estate and focusing on raising their kids away from cameras. Tiger’s golf career struggled for years afterward.