When Hollywood love stories end, sometimes the real drama begins at the bank. Divorces become expensive, especially when fame and fortunes are involved. And while we’re used to hearing about women securing huge settlements, sometimes it’s the leading ladies themselves writing the checks.
Here are the female celebs who had to pay up after their relationships fizzled out.
Madonna Paid up to $92 Million to Guy Ritchie
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When the Queen of Pop split from director Guy Ritchie in 2008, reports swirled that Madonna handed over between $76 and $92 million. That’s enough to fund multiple action films, or at least a very lavish retirement plan. Despite the media frenzy, the pair kept the details classy and quiet by releasing a joint statement with no hard feelings.
Britney Spears Covered Monthly Support and Legal Fees
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Britney’s rollercoaster 2000s didn’t stop with chart-toppers. After her split from backup dancer Kevin Federline, she was ordered to pay $20,000 a month in child support. That figure later jumped, especially after a custody ruling favored Kevin during Britney’s very public struggles. On top of that, she picked up nearly half a million in his legal fees. A prenuptial agreement helped protect her fortune, but it didn’t shield her from post-breakdown obligations.
Halle Berry Paid Gabriel Aubry Monthly and Retroactive Support
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Halle Berry’s co-parenting arrangement with model Gabriel Aubry included $16,000 in monthly child support and a retroactive payment of $115,000. Court documents also revealed she had to cover $300,000 in Aubry’s legal expenses. This support continues until their daughter finishes high school.
Mary J. Blige Was Ordered Monthly Payments to Kendu Isaacs
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Mary J. Blige sang about heartache long before her divorce, but when she split from former manager Kendu Isaacs, the heartbreak came with a $30,000 monthly alimony price tag. Isaacs had initially requested over four times that amount, claiming he’d become used to the superstar lifestyle. Blige later opened up about feeling betrayed, especially after allegedly discovering he used her money on another woman. Ouch.
Janet Jackson Reached a Settlement With René Elizondo
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Most people didn’t even know Janet Jackson was married until her husband, René Elizondo filed for divorce in 2000. While a prenup was in place, Elizondo argued he was coerced into signing it. What followed was a long, private legal chess match that ended in a $15 million settlement in 2003.
Kirstie Alley Paid a $6 Million Lump Sum to Parker Stevenson
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Back in the ’90s, Kirstie Alley and Parker Stevenson were living it up with exotic pets and luxury properties. But after their marriage ended, the glam lifestyle was divvied up, with Alley writing a $6 million lump-sum check. Stevenson initially wanted monthly spousal support, but they settled on the one-and-done route.
Roseanne Barr Paid $50 Million to Tom Arnold
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Without a prenuptial agreement, Roseanne Barr’s divorce from Tom Arnold became one of the most expensive splits of the 1990s. Married in 1990 and divorced by 1994, Barr ended up paying Arnold $50 million. Their split was splashed across every headline, with bitter jabs and courtroom showdowns. In retrospect, the real punchline was the settlement figure.
Anne Heche Settled With Coley Laffoon for $275,000 and Monthly Support
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Anne Heche’s split from cameraman Coley Laffoon turned into a legal saga featuring parenting disputes, financial gripes, and accusations flying both ways. Laffoon claimed he left his job to be a stay-at-home dad, demanding $33,000 a month. They settled on a $275,000 payout plus $3,700 monthly in child support.
Elizabeth Taylor Gave $1 Million to Larry Fortensky
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Elizabeth Taylor’s eighth and final marriage ended in 1996 with a $1 million payout to Larry Fortensky. The pair met in rehab and married in 1991. Though he was much younger and less wealthy, their parting remained relatively amicable. She later left him an additional sum in her will.
Toni Braxton Settled With Keri Lewis for Monthly Alimony
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Toni Braxton may be known for her emotional ballads, but her divorce from musician Keri Lewis added a bitter financial note. When ordered to pay $30,000 monthly in alimony, Braxton later spoke out about how the system felt unfair, especially given her financial struggles at the time.
Halle Berry Also Pays Olivier Martinez Monthly Support and Income Share
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Berry’s financial responsibilities didn’t end with Aubry. After her divorce from actor Olivier Martinez, she agreed to pay $8,000 a month in child support for their son and 4.3% of any income exceeding $2 million. The court finalized this agreement in 2023, nearly eight years after their separation.
Mel B Was Ordered to Pay Stephen Belafonte $40,000 a Month
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Mel B’s 2020 split from Stephen Belafonte was packed with serious allegations and courtroom tension. Despite her claims of mistreatment, the court ordered her to pay $40,000 per month in spousal support and $140,000 in his legal fees. It was a tough ending to an already stormy marriage, and one that stirred public debate on how courts handle complex divorce cases.
Sherri Shepherd Pays Child Support for a Child Born via Surrogate
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Sherri Shepherd’s divorce from Lamar Sally included child support for a child born via surrogate, despite Shepherd claiming she had no biological ties. A judge ruled she was the legal parent and ordered her to pay $4,100 monthly. She also paid support to her first husband, Jeff Tarpley, for their son.
Candace Parker Opted for a Lump-Sum Settlement With Shelden Williams
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During her 2016 divorce from former NBA player Shelden Williams, she opted for a $400,000 one-time payout instead of monthly child support. The couple also agreed to share custody of their daughter.
Kelly Clarkson & Brandon Blackstock Legal Battle
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Kelly Clarkson’s divorce from talent manager Brandon Blackstock came with a hefty price tag. She was ordered to pay $150,000 per month in spousal support and $45,601 in child support. That adds up to over $2.3 million a year. Clarkson also had to pay $1.3 million in legal fees.
