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Top 25 Most Expensive Divorce Settlements in History
1. Bill Gates & Melinda French Gates (2021) – $76 Billion
In 2021, the tech billionaire and philanthropist Bill Gates finalized a divorce that shocked the world with a colossal settlement valuing around $76 billion. Despite the division, both pledged to continue their charitable work, highlighting how wealth can be split without ending joint missions.
2. Jeff Bezos & MacKenzie Scott (2019) – $38 Billion
This divorce split Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and his ex-wife MacKenzie Scott in 2019. The settlement, valued at approximately $38 billion, became one of the biggest in history, with MacKenzie gaining significant stock holdings and philanthropic influence.
3. Alec Wildenstein & Jocelyn Wildenstein (1999) – $3.8 Billion
The divorce of art dealer Alec Wildenstein and socialite Jocelyn Wildenstein drew media attention for its extravagant financial settlement, estimated at $3.8 billion, marking one of the priciest divorces of the 20th century.
4. Rupert Murdoch & Anna Murdoch Mann (1999) – ~$1.7 Billion
Media mogul Rupert Murdoch’s separation from Anna Murdoch Mann concluded with a settlement nearing $1.7 billion. Their divorce highlighted the immense fortunes accumulated through decades in the media industry.
5. Bill Gross & Sue Gross (2017) – ~$1.3 Billion
The co-founder of Pacific Investment Management Company, Bill Gross, parted ways with Sue Gross in 2017, settling for over $1.3 billion, reflecting the personal toll and financial stakes behind high-profile divorces.
6. Bernie Ecclestone & Slavica Ecclestone (2009) – ~$1.2 Billion
The former Formula 1 boss Bernie Ecclestone’s divorce from Slavica led to a settlement estimated around $1.2 billion, underscoring the wealth accumulated through motorsports.
7. Steve Wynn & Elaine Wynn (2010) – ~$1 Billion
Casino magnate Steve Wynn’s divorce from Elaine Wynn in 2010 resulted in a billion-dollar settlement, revealing how luxury and gaming industries generate immense personal fortunes.
8. Chey Tae-won & Roh Soh-yeong (2024) – ~$1 Billion
South Korea’s tech conglomerate heir Chey Tae-won concluded his highly-publicized divorce with a settlement costing around $1 billion, demonstrating the staggering wealth in Asia’s business elite.
9. Harold Hamm & Sue Ann Arnall (2015) – $974.8 Million
Oil billionaire Harold Hamm’s divorce from Sue Ann Arnall involved a nearly billion-dollar settlement, marking one of the largest in the energy industry.
10. Adnan Khashoggi & Soraya Khashoggi (1980) – ~$874 Million
The late arms dealer Adnan Khashoggi’s divorce settlement in 1980 reached approximately $874 million, reflecting early instances of immense wealth division.
11. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum & Princess Haya (2019) – ~$730 Million
The ruler of Dubai and his former wife Princess Haya split with a settlement roughly valued at $730 million, showcasing the wealth of royal families in the Middle East.
12. Tiger Woods & Elin Nordegren (2010) – ~$710 Million
Golf legend Tiger Woods’ highly-publicized divorce in 2010 involved a settlement of about $710 million, sparking global media coverage rooted in personal scandal.
13. Dmitry Rybolovlev & Elena Rybolovleva (2014) – ~$604 Million
Russian fertilizer magnate Dmitry Rybolovlev’s divorce from Elena ended with a settlement estimated over half a billion dollars, highlighting the wealth of Russian billionaires.
14. Craig McCaw & Wendy McCaw (1997) – Over $460 Million
Telecom pioneer Craig McCaw’s divorce in the late ’90s led to a multi-hundred million dollar settlement, marking significant wealth in communication industries.
15. Mel Gibson & Robyn Moore (2011) – $425 Million
Australian-American actor Mel Gibson settled with Robyn Moore in 2011 for a hefty sum of $425 million, underscoring Hollywood’s lucrative nature.
16. Robert L. Johnson & Sheila Crump Johnson (2002) – $400 Million
The founder of Black Entertainment Television (BET), Robert Johnson, split from Sheila Crump Johnson in 2002, with the settlement reaching $400 million.
17. Sergey Brin & Nicole Shanahan (2023) – ≥$360 Million
Google co-founder Sergey Brin’s divorce in 2023 involved a settlement of at least $360 million, reflecting the immense wealth accumulated through the tech boom.
18. Roman Abramovich & Irina Malandina (2007) – ~$300 Million
The Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich’s separation from Irina Malandina was finalized with a settlement around $300 million, exemplifying the wealth of Russian elite.
19. Charles Edgar Fipke & Marlene Fipke (2000) – ~$200 Million
Canadian mineral explorer Charles Fipke’s divorce was finalized with a settlement of approximately $200 million, showcasing wealth from natural resources.
20. Michael Polsky & Maya Polsky (2007) – $184 Million
Energy executive Michael Polsky split from Maya Polsky in a settlement valued at $184 million, highlighting wealth in renewable and traditional energy sectors.
21. Michael Jordan & Juanita Vanoy (2006) – $168 Million
Basketball legend Michael Jordan’s divorce from Juanita Vanoy in 2006 resulted in a settlement of approximately $168 million for his former spouse.
22. Boris Berezovsky & Galina Besharova (2010) – ~$160 Million
The Russian business magnate Boris Berezovsky’s divorce concluded with around $160 million, illustrating the significant fortunes tied to Russian entrepreneurs.
23. Samathur Li Kin-kan & Florence Tsang Chiu-wing (2011) – ~$157 Million
Hong Kong’s business tycoon Li Kin-kan’s divorce settlement with Florence Tsang Chiu-wing was estimated at $157 million, spotlighting wealth in Asia’s financial hubs.
24. Neil Diamond & Marcia Murphey (1995) – ~$150 Million
Music icon Neil Diamond’s divorce from Marcia Murphey in 1995 involved a settlement of around $150 million, reflecting entertainment industry wealth.
25. Frank McCourt & Jamie McCourt (2011) – ~$130 Million
Former Los Angeles Dodgers owner Frank McCourt’s divorce settlement with Jamie McCourt in 2011 was valued at approximately $130 million, shining a light on sports franchise riches.
Note: All figures are estimates based on public records, private settlements, and media reports. The actual amounts in some cases may vary, and recent updates or undisclosed agreements could change the standings outlined here. As of 2025, no divorce settlement has surpassed the historic figures set in previous decades, but wealth continues to influence the magnitude of these personal legal battles.
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