10 of the Most High-Profile Celebrity Divorce Cases

In this article, we explore 10 highly publicised celebrity divorce cases that captivate the public’s interest.

Covering shocking stories to massive settlements, these high-profile splits attract more attention than even celebrity weddings.

From jaw-dropping revelations to mind-boggling settlements, we delve into the world of the rich and famous, shedding light on ten of the most captivating and headline-grabbing celebrity divorce cases.

Divorce and finances often intertwine in the realm of high-profile celebrity relationships, creating a spectacle that captures the public’s imagination. While celebrity weddings may be eagerly anticipated, it is the subsequent unravelling of these unions that truly commands attention.

1. Johnny Depp & Amber Heard

Unless you’ve been living on Mars for the last few years, you can’t have failed to hear about the dramatic, and litigious, divorce of Johnny Depp and Amber Heard. Beginning in 2016, when Heard filed for divorce and applied for a restraining order against Depp, there followed a number of very public court cases including the 2022 defamation case brought by Depp against Heard following her publication of an article in The Washington Post. 

Over six years, shocking details of the couple’s private lives emerged and, ultimately, Heard would come off second best having lost both the defamation case and a number of acting jobs. 

2. Paul McCartney & Heather Mills

Having tragically lost his wife, Linda, to cancer in 1998, legendary musician and former Beatle, Paul McCartney, thought he had once again found love when he married model and campaigner, Heather Mills. Unfortunately, his happiness was short lived as the marriage, which produced one child, descended into a very public divorce in which Heather is thought to have secured a payout of $48.6 million in cash and property. 

3. Kanye West & Kim Kardashian

The union of the rapper and the reality star was never far from the headlines from the moment that they married in a lavish ceremony in 2014. Unfortunately, cracks began to show pretty quickly due to Kanye’s propensity for attracting negative publicity through his often-inappropriate tweets, including allegations about Kim’s family and his very public support for former President, Donald Trump. 

The marriage finally ended in divorce in 2021 and the couple, who have four children, have now finally moved on. 

4. Brad Pitt & Angelina Jolie

Hollywood royalty Brad Pitt & Angelina Jolie met on the set of their film ‘Mr & Mrs Smith’ in 2005 (while Pitt was still married to Friends star Jennifer Aniston). Six children later (two biological and four adopted), the A list couple married at their French chateau in 2014.

Unfortunately, Jolie filed for divorce just two short years later and there followed a vicious and public custody battle as Jolie attempted to gain full custody of all six kids. The couple subsequently made the sensible decision to complete the divorce and custody issues privately. 

5. Rosie O’Donnell & Michelle Rounds

Actor and comedian, Rosie O’Donnell, was hoping for second time lucky when she married Michelle Rounds in 2012 and the couple quickly adopted a daughter to complete their family. Things didn’t however go quite as planned and in 2015 the two divorced after agreeing on shared custody of their daughter. Tragically, Michelle would take her own life in 2017. 

6. Tom Cruise & Katie Holmes

Despite a 16-year age gap, Hollywood veteran Tom Cruise and actor Katie Holmes tied the knot in 2006 and had one daughter, Suri Cruise. While the couple enjoyed a fairytale wedding, horror stories soon began to emerge around a number of rules and regulations surrounding Tom’s affiliation with Scientology. The two actors divorced in 2012, just 11 years after his divorce from fellow A lister, Nicole Kidman.

7. Donald & Ivana Trump

Known for his flamboyant lifestyle and massive wealth, former President of the USA, Donald Trump, met his match in Czech American businesswoman, Ivana Trump and the two married in 1977. The marriage, which was often tumultuous, ended in 1990 and the two shared three children. In 2022, Donald led tributes to Ivana following her sudden death on the 14th of July. 

8. Alec Baldwin & Kim Basinger

Known as the ‘Hothead of Hollywood’, Alec Baldwin’s 1993 marriage to fellow actor, Kim Basinger, produced one child, Ireland Baldwin, and plenty of drama. The couple’s marriage is said to have struggled largely due to Alec’s inability to communicate and Kim describes their 2002 divorce as ‘heavy duty and very out loud’. 

In 2021, Alec’s life was turned upside down following the fatal shooting on “Rust” set which caused the death of cinematographer, Halyna Hutchins, after Alec discharged a weapon which was being used as a prop. 

9. Madonna & Guy Ritchie

When pop icon Madonna and film director Guy Ritchie married in 2000, they were hailed as celeb-world’s new power couple, however disagreements regarding their children and even where they were going to live meant that the shine soon began to wear off. By the time they divorced, in 2008, there had been a number of bitter and public accusations and incriminations. 

Afterwards Madonna said of the marriage, “It’s not as romantic as it used to be. You think, ‘This isn’t what I thought it was going to be,” and “How much am I willing to sacrifice?’’ Richie, however, was less diplomatic saying that although he doesn’t regret his time with the pop star, ‘the drama was too much and our life became a soap opera”. 

3. Elizabeth Taylor x 8

Known for her acting talent and extraordinary beauty, Elizabeth Taylor was no stranger to the divorce court having been married and divorced eight times – including twice to Richard Burton. Seemingly an incurable romantic, Elizabeth sadly died single in 2011. 

Private Lives Made Public

These ten high-profile celebrity divorce cases serve as a reminder that fame and fortune do not guarantee lasting love. From the shocking tales that unfold to the eye-watering financial settlements, they provide a glimpse into the complex lives of the rich and famous. As the public continues to be fascinated by the personal lives of celebrities, these divorces stand as a testament to the enduring allure and scrutiny that surround the world of stardom.