1. Jeff Bezos and MacKenzie Scott
In 2019, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and his wife MacKenzie Scott finalized their divorce after 25 years of marriage. The settlement was valued at approximately $36 billion, making it one of the largest in history. As part of the agreement, Scott received 25% of the couple's Amazon stock, which significantly increased her wealth. Since the divorce, she has become a prominent philanthropist, donating billions to various causes.
2. Bill and Melinda Gates
The divorce of Bill and Melinda Gates in 2021 was another landmark case, with a settlement estimated at around $130 billion. The couple, BOY 303 who had been married for 27 years, announced their separation after years of working together on philanthropic efforts through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. The settlement was notable not only for its size but also for the couple's commitment to continue their charitable work together.
3. Alec Wildenstein and Jocelyn Wildenstein
BOY303 Alec Wildenstein, a French art dealer, and his wife Jocelyn Wildenstein, known for her extravagant lifestyle and extensive plastic surgeries, finalized their divorce in 1999. The settlement was reported to be around $3.8 billion, making it one of the most expensive divorces in history at the time. The case drew significant media attention due to the couple's lavish lifestyle and the dramatic nature of their separation.
4. Rupert Murdoch and Anna Torv
Media mogul Rupert Murdoch's divorce from his first wife, Anna Torv, in 1999 resulted in a settlement of approximately $1.7 billion. The couple had been married for over 30 years and had three children together. The settlement included cash, property, and shares in Murdoch's media empire, highlighting the complexities of dividing assets in high-net-worth divorces.
5. Steve Jobs and Chrisann Brennan
The divorce between Apple co-founder Steve Jobs and his high school girlfriend Chrisann Brennan was notable not only for its financial implications but also for the personal drama involved. While the exact settlement amount is not publicly known, it is reported that Jobs paid Brennan a significant sum to support their daughter, Lisa. The case illustrates the challenges of navigating relationships and finances in the tech industry.
Conclusion
The largest divorce settlements in history serve as a reminder of the complexities and emotional challenges that accompany the dissolution of a marriage, especially when significant wealth is involved. These high-profile cases not only capture public attention but also raise questions about the nature of relationships, financial agreements, and the impact of divorce on individuals and families. As society continues to evolve, so too will the narratives surrounding marriage and divorce, with financial settlements remaining a critical aspect of these stories.