In November 2018, Robert De Niro confirmed that he’d split from his second wife of over 20 years, Grace Hightower. In a statement to People, De Niro explained, “We are entering a period of transition in our relationship which is a difficult but constructive process. I honor Grace as a wonderful mother and ask for privacy and respect from all as we proceed to develop our roles as partners in parenting.” The former couple, who tied the knot in 1997, share two children — son Elliott and daughter Helen Grace. But unfortunately, the divorce quickly became contentious.
According to the Independent, De Niro’s lawyer, Caroline Krauss, claimed in court that the celebrated actor had been forced to accept jobs he wasn’t proud of in order to financially support his ex. “When does he get the opportunity to not take every project that comes along and not work six-day weeks, 12-hour days so he can keep pace with Ms Hightower’s thirst for Stella McCartney? He could get sick tomorrow, and the party’s over,” Krauss stated in part.
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When the divorce was finally settled in 2021, the couple’s pre-nuptial agreement was upheld, with Hightower reportedly receiving $6 million to buy a new home, along with half of the proceeds from the sale of their $20 million house, per Page Six. Hightower would also receive annual alimony payments of $1 million from De Niro, who would eventually move on and welcome his seventh child in 2023 with girlfriend Tiffany Chen.
