Kevin Costner, known for hit projects such as “Dances With Wolves” and the popular TV show “Yellowstone,” has been going through an increasingly complicated divorce with his second wife, Christine Baumgartner. After a long silence, sources close to Costner spoke out about the actor’s feelings surrounding the divorce.
It seems that Costner is trying to take things in his stride, although those close to him confessed that the ordeal has taken its toll on the actor. He hopes that he and Baumgartner can come to some sort of agreement soon, although he’s not lying down and letting his ex walk over him.Us Weekly spoke to a few insiders who revealed that Baumgartner chose to divorce her famous husband because of his long working hours. A source close to her explained, “Christine wasn’t happy with ‘Yellowstone’s’ schedule delays because it caused him to miss so much time with his family.”
Baumgartner’s Disputes over Finances
After filing for divorce earlier in 2023, Baumgartner refused to leave the house she lived in with Costner, breaking the terms of the prenup they both signed at the start of their marriage. While occupying the property, she made several demands of Costner, saying she would remain in the house until he agreed to what she had asked of him.
Costner’s lawyers also referred to the incessant requests as “burdensome, oppressive and harassing.”
According to court documents obtained by Us Weekly, Costner also claimed that Baumgartner has been using his credit cards without his knowledge to fund the divorce. The actor claimed his ex-wife has withdrawn a large amount of money from his accounts since April 2023. Costner claimed:
“[Baumgartner] has withdrawn from my bank account and charged on my credit card a total of $95,000, payable to her divorce attorneys and forensic accountant. [This was] done without any prior notice to me.
Baumgartner also requested that Costner pay her $248,000 a month in child support. Costner fired back, saying he wouldn’t be able to afford such a large sum now that his contract with “Yellowstone” has come to an end. Although Costner is trying to limit the child support amount, he is taking care of his kids financially.
Costner has also insinuated that Baumgartner has been planning this split for a while, judging by her spending habits before filing for divorce. Costner’s lawyers also alleged that his ex had bought an expensive vehicle mere months before they separated. The family usually leased cars, and the lawyers claimed that Baumgartner would become the vehicle’s legal owner after the divorce.
Baumgartner, on the other hand, has filed court documents claiming that Costner’s net worth is much more than he originally declared. The handbag designer claimed Costner only listed $102,716,000 in assets when they married in 2004. According to her, this number has increased exponentially and currently stands close to $400 million.
Now, Baumgartner has asked the court to order Costner to share his financial information, claiming the actor is “stonewalling” and “withholding” specifics about his finances. Baumgartner’s legal team has asked the actor to share documents surrounding his upcoming film series, “Horizon,” and is claiming Costner is refusing to produce these records.
Costner’s lawyers responded by saying that the projected earnings of “Horizon” have no bearing on the matter of child support, and they have submitted more documents following the opposing party claiming their initial reports were “deficient.” Costner’s lawyers also referred to the incessant requests as “burdensome, oppressive and harassing.”