Divorce is often a complex and emotional process, but when it involves high-profile names, the financial settlements are likely to make the headlines.
For these 7 black celebrity women, the end of their marriages also meant paying significant sums to their ex-husbands. Though it may have been cheaper to keep him, these boss women paid the price for their happiness and freedom.
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1. Mary J. Blige
Source: Cooper Neill / Getty
Mary J. Blige divorced Kendu Isaacs, her husband over over 12 years, in 2016. Blige was ordered to pay him $30,000 per month in spousal support. Isaacs, who had served as her manager, argued that he had become accustomed to a certain lifestyle during their marriage and needed support to maintain it—originally requesting $129,319 to maintain his lifestyle and cover legal fees.
2. Halle Berry
Source: Presley Ann / Getty
Oscar-winning actress Halle Berry was ordered to pay child support to her ex-boyfriend Gabriel Aubry, with whom she shares a daughter, and later to Olivier Martinez, her ex-husband.
In her divorce settlement with Martinez, Berry was ordered to pay Martinez $8,000 a month in support and 4.3% of her annual income above $2 million, as well as being held responsible for covering her son’s medical expenses, health insurance, school tuition, and extracurricular costs (Violaw.com)
“I’m not done with love, but I refuse to settle. I’m just going to live my life and be who I am.” –Halle Berry
3. Sherri Shepherd
Source: Johnny Nunez / Getty
Comedian and television personality Sherri Shepherd was ordered to pay $4,100 each month in child support (which would increase to $4,600 when the child turns 13), after her split from Lamar Sally in 2014.
4. Tina Knowles
Source: Matt Winkelmeyer / Getty
Tina Knowles (70) and Richard Lawson (77) officially divorced in 2024 after a year of separation. As part of their settlement, Tina had to pay Richard a one-time payment of $300,000. Neither will receive spousal support from the other.
6. Candace Parker
Source: Kelly Balch / Getty
Los Angeles Sparks star Candace Parker was reportedly ordered to pay her ex-husband, Shelden Williams, $400,000 in alimony.
7. Mel B
Source: Shirlaine Forrest / Getty
After nearly 10 years of marriage to Stephen Belafonte, Mel B’s divorce settlement included her paying $5,000 a month in child support, $15,000 monthly in spousal support, and $350,000 for his attorney fees.
8. Janet Jackson
Source: Paras Griffin / Getty
Forbes reported that Jackson’s (highly secret) 2003 divorce to her ex-husband Rene Elizondo ended with him walking away with upward of $10 million.
Years later, she reportedly recouped that money and some with her divorce to billionaire Wissam Al Mana. Insiders informed the New York Post that the Grammy winner stood to gain a whopping $200 million from their split. Family members confirmed that Wissam and Jackson’s prenuptial agreement declared that she would get $100 million from their divorce if their union lasted for five years. They divorced after 5 years (2012-2017) and with one child (TheList.com).
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