Kevin Costner’s separation from Christine Baumgartner, after 19 years of marriage, was finalized in September 2023, and the process was anything but smooth, as both sides accuse each other of infidelity amidst a bitter fallout.
The situation is undoubtedly tough on their children, who now have to witness the intimate details of their family life being widely discussed and published online, a reality of the modern era where everything is accessible to their peers.
Despite the challenges, the parents are embroiled in a battle for the moral high ground as they navigate the end of their 23-year relationship, which began in 2000 and resulted in three children.
TMZ has reported that rumors of Costner’s alleged affair while filming Yellowstone prompted an investigation, which will be aired on Monday, February 19, titled “TMZ Investigates: Kevin Costner’s Divorce War” on Fox and Hulu.
Costner vehemently denies the allegations of infidelity, while Baumgartner herself faces accusations of involvement with another man at her guesthouse, although she denies any wrongdoing. Reports suggest that her relationship with Josh Connor post-separation has also raised eyebrows, though sources claim it was purely platonic until after the separation.
Addressing the financial aspect, the prenuptial agreement they signed before marriage is now under scrutiny, with Baumgartner seeking nearly $250,000 a month in financial support. She argues that this amount is necessary to maintain a lifestyle close to what the children experience in Costner’s care.
However, disputes arise over expenses not covered in the prenup, such as private school tuition, healthcare, and sports-related costs, which Baumgartner also seeks from Costner.
After contesting their agreement signed in 2004, Baumgartner eventually secured $63,000 per month from Costner in child support, as reported by TMZ. This outcome followed Costner’s already assumed responsibility for 100% of the children’s expenses by June 2023.
