Kevin Costner’s divorce is finally behind him, after he nearly had to shell out millions more than his prenup stipulated when his wife, Christine Baumgartner, filed for divorce.
Though their break-up was highly publicized, largely due to Christine’s unsuccessful fight of higher spousal and child support checks, the former couple have been largely quiet about the catalyst of their split.
However, a new report claims Costner’s alleged gambling problem played a part in her decision to file for divorce.
Kevin’s Ex Was Allegedly Worried They’d Go Broke
An insider revealed to Life & Style that Christine was “so terrified they’d wind up broke” that she ultimately chose to leave the marriage. According to the insider, “At least that way she got what the prenup guaranteed her” and avoided the distress of “watching Kevin gamble away all his cash.”
Several well-known celebrities have struggled with gambling addiction, including Ben Affleck and Charles Barkley, highlighting the pervasive nature of this issue in Hollywood. However, Costner has never addressed rumors he suffers from a similar addiction, nor has he commented on the recent reports.
Costner Is Putting All His Money Into His New Project
The source’s insights come after Costner revealed just how much of his personal fortune he sunk into his new project, Horizon. Speaking to GQ last month, Costner clarified the extent of his personal financial investment in his ambitious film series.
“I know they say I’ve got $20 million of my own money in this movie. I’ve got now about $38 million in the film. That’s the truth,” the 69-year old said.
Costner candidly discussed the financial strain this project has placed on him, revealing that he and his then-wife, Christine Baumgartner, had to mortgage a beachfront property he owns in Santa Barbara to fund the film.
“Ten acres. I said, ‘It’s a good deal.’ And she said, ‘Yeah, one more and we’re out of business,’” he humorously recounted, highlighting the gamble he took with his own money for his passion project.
Despite the significant financial risks, Costner denied that his unwavering dedication to the four-part Western series contributed to the end of his 20-year marriage in 2023.
The for the actor, who’s a father to seven kids, the sacrifices are part of a bigger lesson he wishes to impart to his children. “That’s the message I want my kids to understand about who I am: that I do what I believe in,” he explained to GQ, adding, “I have fear like everybody else. I don’t want to be humiliated.”
Kevin Costner’s marriage history includes two notable unions. His first marriage to Cindy Silva lasted from 1978 to 1994, and they had three children together. Their divorce was one of the most expensive in Hollywood, with Costner reportedly paying around $80 million in the settlement.
He went on to marry Christine Baumgartner in 2004, and they had three children before their marriage ended in 2023. Despite having a prenuptial agreement, their divorce became complicated as Baumgartner sought increased financial support and more substantial assets than initially outlined, leading to a contentious legal battle, which largely worked out in Costner’s favor.