The Ugliest Divorces in Hollywood

Roughly half of all marriages end in divorce, but the stars, who are supposedly just like us, seem to bat at an even lower average than everyone else. Not only are celebrity marriages particularly star-crossed, but they can mean big and ugly divorce settlements when they come to an end, often after rather drawn-out public dramas. At least the rest of us usually don’t have to deal with that. Though there are so many to choose from, let’s take a look back at five of the ugliest divorces in Hollywood.

Johnny Depp and Amber Heard

The demise of Johnny Depp and Amber Heard’s relationship has been an especially ugly and public one, with dueling allegations of domestic abuse between the two culminating in libel lawsuits. Owing to the high profile of their relationship’s demise, Johnny Depp will no longer be featured in the latest installment of the Fantastic Beasts series. At least he had a pay-or-play contract.

Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie

The reign of Brangelina came to an acrimonious end in 2016 when Jolie filed for divorce citing irreconcilable differences. The Hollywood power couple remained separated for three years before finally being granted a divorce in 2019. Brad’s divorce comes on the heels of his divorce to Jennifer Aniston, whom he left for Angelina Jolie.

Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes

Though we all came to find little Suri adorable, most of us knew this marriage was doomed from the start. Tom Cruise, perhaps the most famous Scientologist in a following that already counts so many famous faces in its ranks, was famously exuberant and demonstrative in his love for his new wife. But the Church of Scientology loomed large over their marriage, and Ms. Holmes feared the influence of the powerful church on their marriage, filing for divorce after almost six years.

Alec Baldwin and Kim Basinger

Renowned for his fiery temper in his roles and reality alike, Alec Baldwin’s penchant for rage finally got the best of him. Following his divorce from Kim Basinger, Baldwin embarked upon a protracted six-year custody battle for their daughter, Ireland. There’s nothing simple or easy about negotiating custody, but Baldwin certainly didn’t help his cause when a rage-filled voicemail to his daughter leaked to the press.

Madonna and Guy Ritchie

Despite her newfound religious awakening, Kabbalah-adherent Madonna couldn’t resist a long series of public jabs at her erstwhile husband, Guy Ritchie. But one of the ugliest divorces in Hollywood came to a lucrative end for the butt of the Material Girl’s jokes. In the divorce settlement, Ritchie cleared a cool $75 million from one of the most famous pop stars of all time.

FAQ