Actor Michael Douglas, whose "Wall Street" sequel "Money Never Sleeps" is set to hit movie theaters, is being sued by ex-wife Diandra Douglas for half of her estranged ex-husband's earnings from the movie, entertainment news site Popeater reported. Apparently, alimony never sleeps either.
She claims that as part of their 2000 divorce settlement, she is entitled to 50 percent of any movies he did during their 23-year marriage. Still confused?
According to Diandra Douglas' attorneys, that particular provision includes any spinoffs of his movies. The original "Wall Street" was released in 1987, well before their divorce. Attorney Nancy Chemtob succinctly stated her client's case:
"It's the same character, the same title, just years later."
Although Michael Douglas' attorney Marilyn Chinitz said Diandra Douglas is taking "Wall Street" character Gordon Gekko's line "greed is good" to heart, she didn't exactly dispute the claim either. Although this is a unique case with entertainment law underpinnings, a Georgia family law attorney could better explain the implications of such a clause.
Marilyn Chinitz also addressed the how her client, who is now married to actress Catherine Zeta-Jones, wants to get on with his life:
"He doesn't want her to be an albatross around his neck forever."
But perhaps his frustration with Diandra Douglas is understandable, since theirs was one of the most expensive divorce settlements in Hollywood history, listed in a 2007 Forbes list of the 10 most expensive celebrity divorces. She got an estimated $45 million and homes in Beverly Hills and Majorca.
Diandra Douglas had accused Michael Douglas of sex and alcohol addiction, plus numerous affairs.
Michael Douglas' legal team reportedly is working to dismiss the lawsuit because "Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps" is a sequel and not a spinoff. His attorney said, "They're not the same thing."
Related Resources:
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Jamie McCourt, Frank McCourt, And One Expensive Divorce (FindLaw's Celebrity Justice Blog)
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Most Expensive Celebrity Divorces (Forbes Magazine)
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Browse Atlanta Divorce Lawyers (FindLaw)
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