Hollywood is no stranger to divorce. In the age of reality television, it’s become a staple in pop culture. But for some Hollywood couples, divorce has had far-reaching and devastating effects on their lives and careers. From lawsuits to public shaming, Hollywood divorces are often messy affairs that can leave lasting scars for many years afterward. Today, we will explore 40 of Hollywood’s worst divorces, from the likes of Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie to Johnny Depp and Amber Heard. Read on to discover what makes these divorces so controversial—and the lessons they can teach us all about relationships.
Jana Kramer and Mike Caussin
This celebrity couple had a very public divorce that played out on social media for all to see. Jana Kramer filed for divorce from her husband of two years, Mike Caussin, in August 2016. The reason for the split was infidelity on Caussin’s part; he had been unfaithful to Kramer multiple times throughout their marriage. The divorce was finalized in December 2016, and the couple has since gone their separate ways.
Erika Jayne and Tom Girardi
Erika Jayne, a former Real Housewife of Beverly Hills, and Tom Girardi, a prominent trial lawyer, announced their divorce in November 2020 after 21 years of marriage. The split was amicable at first, but things quickly turned ugly when it was revealed that Girardi had been cheating on Jayne with multiple women and had amassed a large amount of debt.
Jayne filed for divorce on December 1, 2020, citing irreconcilable differences. She is requesting spousal support and attorneys’ fees from Girardi.
On December 3, 2020, it was revealed that Girardi had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. This revelation shocked Jayne, who had no idea that her husband was suffering from these degenerative diseases.
As a result of the divorce proceedings and Girardi’s health issues, Jayne has put her career on hold to focus on her personal life. She has not released any new music since announcing her divorce and has canceled all upcoming appearances.
Tiger Woods and Elin Nordegren
In 2009, Tiger Woods and Elin Nordegren’s divorce was one of the messiest – and most expensive – in Hollywood history. The golfing legend was caught cheating on his wife with multiple women, leading to a very public breakup. The couple had to sell their multimillion-dollar estate and split their assets, with Nordegren receiving a reported $100 million settlement.
Johnny Depp and Amber Heard
Johnny Depp and Amber Heard’s divorce was one of the messiest in Hollywood history. The two were married for just over a year before Heard filed for divorce in 2016, alleging that Depp had been physically and verbally abusive to her during their relationship. Depp denied the allegations, but after Heard released audio recordings of him yelling at her and obtained a restraining order against him, the public opinion of him took a major hit.
The divorce proceedings dragged on for months, with both sides accusing each other of lies and Depp even going so far as to sue Heard for $50 million for defamation. In the end, the two reached a settlement in which Heard would receive $7 million, which she reportedly donated to charity.
Jaime King and Kyle Newman
Jaime King and Kyle Newman’s marriage was one of the most high-profile celebrity divorces in recent years. The couple had a very public and acrimonious split, with both sides accusing the other of infidelity and other marital problems.
King is a well-known actress, model, and fashion designer, while Newman is a director and producer. The couple met in 2005 and got married in 2007. They have two children together.
The divorce was finalized in 2015 after a long and bitter battle. King was awarded primary custody of their children, while Newman was ordered to pay child support.
Kim Kardashian and Kris Humphries
This was a highly-publicized divorce that ended after just 72 days of marriage. Kris Humphries reportedly felt “trapped” in the relationship and cited Kardashian’s fame as contributing to their split.
Kim Kardashian and Kanye West
No couple in recent memory has had a more public, more contentious, or more expensive divorce than Kim Kardashian and Kanye West. The A-list couple’s split was finalized in February of this year after months of rumors and speculation about the state of their marriage.
Since then, the details of their divorce have been played out in the media for all to see. From allegations of infidelity to fights over custody of their children, the press has dissected every step of their divorce. And it doesn’t seem like either party is willing to let go of the past just yet, as they continue to trade barbs through the press.
This divorce is even more fascinating because it comes at a time when both Kim and Kanye are at the height of their careers. With reality TV shows, fashion lines, and successful music careers, both parties have a lot at stake. It’s safe to say that this divorce will be discussed for years to come.
Kylie Jenner and Travis Scott
Kylie Jenner, the reality star and beauty mogul, and Travis Scott, the rapper, welcomed their first child together in February 2018. The couple had been dating for two years before they welcomed their daughter, Stormi Webster.
Scott is Jenner’s first serious boyfriend; she was previously linked to Tyga and PartyNextDoor. The pair met at Coachella in 2017 and began dating shortly after. They kept their relationship relatively private, but they were often seen together at events and on social media.
In September 2019, it was reported that Jenner and Scott had broken up. The couple had reportedly been fighting a lot lately and decided to take a break. They have not commented on the reports of their breakup.
Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes
Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes were married for five years before filing for divorce in 2012. The couple had one child together, Suri.
The divorce was relatively amicable, with the couple agreeing to joint custody of Suri. However, there were some tabloid reports that Cruise was unhappy with the agreement and that he was “devastated” by the split.
Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie
No one knows exactly what led to the demise of Hollywood’s golden couple, Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie. The two were married for just over two years and have six children together. Their divorce was acrimonious, with allegations of infidelity and drug use flying back and forth. In the end, it seems that their relationship simply couldn’t stand the strain of their hectic lifestyles.
Sherri Shepherd and Lamar Sally
Sherri Shepherd and Lamar Sally were married in 2011 and have been embroiled in a nasty divorce since 2014. The couple has two children together, one of whom is Shepherd’s son from a previous marriage.
The divorce has been marked by accusations of infidelity, financial mismanagement, and physical abuse. In one particularly ugly incident, Shepherd was recorded calling Sally a “fucking loser” and telling him to “get the fuck out” of her house.
Wendy Williams and Kevin Hunter
Wendy Williams filed for divorce from her husband of over 20 years, Kevin Hunter, in 2019. The split was far from amicable, with Williams accusing Hunter of being unfaithful and of fathering a child with his mistress. The couple’s divorce is still ongoing, and it remains to be seen how their assets will be divided.
Mary J. Blige and Martin Isaacs
When Mary J. Blige and Martin “Kendu” Isaacs first met in the early ’90s, it was love at first sight. The two bonded over their shared love of music and soon began working together. They married in 2003 and had a son, Jordan, the following year.
However, by 2016, their relationship had turned sour. Blige filed for divorce, citing irreconcilable differences. She accused Isaacs of cheating on her and of being verbally abusive. The divorce was finalized in 2018, with Blige reportedly paying Isaacs $30 million as part of the settlement.
Sandra Bullock and Jesse James
Sandra Bullock and Jesse James were married for five years before their divorce in 2010. The couple met in 2003 and got married the following year. They had a son together, Louis, who was born in 2010.
Bullock filed for divorce from James in April 2010, citing irreconcilable differences. The divorce was finalized in June 2010.
James subsequently went on to marry another woman, Kat Von D, but they divorced after just four months.
Alec Baldwin and Kate Basinger
Alec Baldwin and Kate Basinger’s divorce was one of Hollywood’s nastiest. The two were married for nine years before splitting in 2002. Their divorce was filled with accusations of infidelity and domestic abuse.
Baldwin was accused of cheating on Basinger with their nanny, while Basinger was accused of having an affair with actor Harrison Ford. Baldwin also admitted to hitting Basinger during an argument.
The two battled over custody of their daughter, Ireland, with Baldwin eventually winning sole custody. Basinger was ordered to pay Baldwin $8 million in child support.
Gwen Stefani and Gavin Rossdale
Gwen Stefani and Gavin Rossdale’s divorce was one of the most acrimonious in Hollywood history. The pair were married for 13 years and have three children together, but their marriage quickly deteriorated after allegations surfaced that Rossdale had been cheating on Stefani with their nanny.
The divorce proceedings were ugly, with both sides exchanging scathing accusations. In the end, Stefani was awarded primary custody of the couple’s children, and Rossdale was ordered to pay child support.
Yolanda Hadid and David Foster
Yolanda Hadid, a model and former reality TV star married David Foster, a music producer, in 2011. The pair had a whirlwind romance and seemed to be very much in love. However, their marriage was not to last, and the couple divorced in 2015.
The divorce was acrimonious, with both sides exchanging allegations of infidelity and abuse. In the end, it seemed that the relationship just wasn’t meant to be, and the two went their separate ways.
Brad Pitt and Jennifer Aniston
Brad Pitt and Jennifer Aniston were one of Hollywood’s most beloved couples. They were married for five years before announcing their divorce in 2005. The split was amicable, but it still sent shockwaves through the industry. In the years since, both Pitt and Aniston have gone on to find new loves, but the memory of their happy union still lingers.
Linda Hogan and Hulk Hogan
Linda Hogan and Hulk Hogan’s divorce was one of the most public and messiest in Hollywood history. After 25 years of marriage, the couple’s split was finalized in 2009. Linda accused her ex-husband of infidelity and physical abuse, while Hulk claimed that Linda was an unfit mother. The pair’s bitter custody battle played out in the media, with both sides making shocking allegations against each other. In the end, their divorce settlement included a gag order preventing either party from publicly discussing details of their marriage or divorce.
Britney Spears and Kevin Federline
Britney Spears and Kevin Federline’s relationship was always a train wreck waiting to happen. From their very public displays of affection to their constant fighting, it was only a matter of time before they called it quits. And when they did, it was an ugly divorce indeed.
Federline filed for divorce in 2006, citing “irreconcilable differences.” The couple married for over two years and had two children together. Spears fought hard to keep custody of her kids, but in the end, Federline was awarded primary physical custody.
The divorce proceedings were nasty, with both sides hurling personal insults at each other. Spears was accused of being a bad mother, while Federline was painted as a gold digger who was after Spears’ money. In the end, both sides seemed to move on relatively quickly.
David Hasselhoff and Pamela Bach
David Hasselhoff and Pamela Bach were married from December 1989 to January 2006 and have two daughters together. The former couple’s divorce was finalized in 2007, but not before a very public battle that saw accusations of domestic violence, drug and alcohol abuse, and mental illness leveled against both parties.
In the end, it was Hasselhoff who emerged as the victor in the divorce, with Bach being ordered to pay him $25,000 a month in spousal support. However, the terms of the divorce stipulated that Should Bach ever marry again, she would no longer be required to make those payments.
Madonna and Sean Penn
Though they were only married for four years, Madonna and Sean Penn’s divorce was one of the messiest and most public in Hollywood history. The pair met while Penn was filming Bad Boys in Detroit, and they wed just a few months later in 1985. From the beginning, their relationship was tempestuous; Madonna once said that Penn “smacked her around” on their honeymoon. The violence continued throughout their marriage, with both Madonna and Penn admitting to hitting each other over the years.
In 1987, Penn was arrested for assaulting a photographer trying to take pictures of the couple; he spent 33 days in jail. Later that year, he also famously attacked a man with a bat after he saw him hassling Madonna on the street. After four years of marriage, Madonna finally had enough and filed for divorce in 1989; the split was finalized the following year.
The details of their divorce were made public in court documents, which revealed that Penn had been physically abusive towards Madonna during their marriage. In one instance, he reportedly tied her to a chair and beat her with a whip; another time, he locked her in a room for two days without food or water. Madonna later said that she regretted ever marrying Penn, calling it “a big mistake.”
Jessica Simpson and Nick Lachey
It was the divorce that set the tone for all future celebrity divorces. Jessica Simpson and Nick Lachey were a golden couple in the early 2000s, and their split was nothing short of ugly. The pair’s divorce was finalized in 2006, but they spent the better part of a year publicly trashing each other in the press.
Lachey was the first to speak out, telling Howard Stern that Simpson was “a bit crass” and that their sex life wasn’t as active as he would have liked. He also admitted to cheating on her while they were together. Simpson hit back by calling Lachey a “sex addict” and claiming that he had been unfaithful to her throughout their marriage.
The final nail in the coffin came when Simpson released her tell-all memoir, which included details about their sex life and Lachey’s infidelity. The book caused such a stir that Lachey ended up suing Simpson for defamation. In the end, it was all just too much drama for one marriage to handle.
Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman
Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman were married for 11 years before they divorced in 2001. The couple had two children together, Connor and Isabella.
The divorce was a result of Cruise’s infidelity; he was rumored to be having an affair with his Mission: Impossible co-star, Rebecca De Mornay. Kidman also accused Cruise of being verbally abusive during their marriage.
Since their divorce, both Cruise and Kidman have remarried. Cruise is currently married to Katie Holmes, with whom he has one daughter, Suri. Kidman is married to country singer Keith Urban.
Sophia Bush and Chad Michael Murray
Although they only starred together in one movie, Sophia Bush and Chad Michael Murray’s brief marriage was a messy one. The two got married in 2005, just five months after they met on the set of One Tree Hill. However, they split just four months later, with Bush filing for an annulment citing “fraud” as the reason.
Bush has since spoken out about her brief marriage to Murray, saying that she was “naive” and “impressionable” at the time. She also revealed that she felt pressured into getting married so quickly, something she now regrets.
Khloé Kardashian and Lamar Odom
The divorce between Khloé Kardashian and Lamar Odom was one of Hollywood’s messiest. The couple had a very public and tumultuous relationship, which made their split all the more difficult. Both sides had allegations of infidelity, and Khloé was even accused of cheating with her sister’s boyfriend. In the end, the divorce was finalized in 2016, but it was an ugly process.
Robin Williams and Marsha Garces
This marriage was marred by tragedy from the start. Williams’ first wife, Valerie Velardi, accused Marsha Garces of being a gold digger and trying to ruin their marriage. The couple divorced in 2010 after 19 years together, during which time they had two children together.
In 2014, shortly after Williams’ death, Garces filed for divorce from her second husband, actor Rob Lowe. The divorce was finalized in 2015.
Mariah Carey and Nick Cannon
Though they had a happy beginning, Mariah Carey and Nick Cannon’s marriage was not meant to be. After six years of marriage, the couple decided to end things in 2016. Though the divorce was amicable, it was still a difficult decision for both parties.
The pair met in 2005 and married just a year later. They welcomed twins Monroe and Moroccan in 2011. Though they seemed like the perfect family, things began to unravel behind the scenes. In 2014, rumors began to circulate that Nick was cheating on Mariah with former Miss USA Nia Sanchez. The rumors were never confirmed, but they put a strain on the couple’s relationship.
In 2016, Mariah filed for divorce from Nick. The divorce was finalized in December of that year. While it was a difficult decision for both parties, they have remained friends and co-parented their twins together.
Tom Brady and Gisele Bundchen
Tom Brady and Gisele Bundchen were one of Hollywood’s power couples for nearly a decade, but their marriage came to an end in 2017. The two have been very private about their divorce, but sources close to the situation say it was amicable, and they remain on good terms.
Kelly Clarkson and Brandon Blackstock
Kelly Clarkson and Brandon Blackstock announced their divorce in June 2020, after six years of marriage. The couple met in 2006 when Blackstock managed Clarkson’s career. They had two children together before tying the knot in 2013.
The couple cited irreconcilable differences as the reason for the split, but sources close to them say that things had been strained for a while due to Blackstock’s alleged controlling behavior. The divorce proceedings were reportedly amicable, with both parties happy to move on and focus on their respective careers and children.
