Celebrity Divorce

With word that supermodel Christie Brinkley is separating from her fourth husband, we couldn't help but wonder: Who's had a harder life post divorce -- Christie or her second ex, Billy Joel?

Brinkley's rep confirmed on Tuesday the split from Peter Cooke, her husband of 10 years. She has a daughter with Cooke, a daughter with Joel, and a son with third husband Richard Taubman.

Actually, a tragedy brought Taubman and Brinkley together. They met when both were passengers in a helicopter that crashed in Colorado in 1994. Ironically, they married near the site of the chopper crash but the union lasted for less than a year. Brinkley reportedly had to pay Taubman $2 mil as a parting gift to end the marriage.

TMZ has obtained a court document in which David Hasselhoff denies his estranged wife Pamela's allegations that he physically abused her and verbally terrorized her.

Earlier this year, Pamela Hasselhoff filed a declaration claiming that In December, 2005, David "grabbed me and pushed me hard into a car," adding "In the past, he has also broken my nose and called me a 'whore,' 'c**t,' 'bitch,' 'slut' and 'drug addict' in front of our children."

In a heavily redacted declaration filed Tuesday in Los Angeles Superior Court, David Hasselhoff says
"I categorically deny each and every...allegation."

Last Month is seemed that the Hasselhoffs had buried the hatchet. They settled the child custody portion of their divorce, agreeing to joint legal and physical custody. David Hasselhoff's new declaration signals that conflict in the divorce may have erupted again.

1) Lillian and Nicole Have Just GOTTA KNOW: Since the end of "Laguna Beach," how did Kristin Cavallari become so famous even though she doesn't have any acting or singing skills?

Since her farewell on MTV's "Laguna Beach," back in November of 2005, Kristin Cavallari has soared to stardom in Hollywood's limelight. She hosted the short-lived reality TV show "Get This Party Started" alongside Ethan Erickson, but that was canceled after only two aired episodes. It seems as if her time spent canoodling with hottie Nick Lachey is what really put her in the public eye. Although their relationship was never confirmed, the two were often spotted in each other's company. To read the whole story and hear her answer for yourself, click here.

2) Amanda Has Just GOTTA KNOW: Is Rachel Bilson engaged?

Contrary to what you may have heard (or what you may be wishing for) Rachel Bilson is not sporting a flashy diamond of any type on that left ring finger. Bilson's publicist tells TMZ that she and fellow "O.C." star Adam Brody are still dating, but that "they are not engaged." Bilson was spotted this past weekend at a benefit for the LA Mission, in which she took some time out for our own Josh Levine. Click here to see we caught!

3) Alexandra and Hanadi Have Just GOTTA KNOW: Why did Nick and Jessica separate? They seemed like such a happy couple on "The Newlyweds."

It seems that with all the nasty money issues that surround the divorce settlement of our once favorite newlyweds Nick and Jessica, many have lost sight of the grounds that led to the initial break up. As TMZ previously reported, accounts cite the unraveling of the union due to rumored interference on Joe Simpson's part. The stress of living their brand new lives together in front of all of American didn't help either. For the original story, read this. And to see how Nick responded to Jessica's petition, click here. However, for old time's sake, take a look at the couple when all was well.

4) Colleen Has Just GOTTA KNOW: What happened to Joss Stone? When is her next album due out? Is there a new album?

Joss Stone's publicists have let TMZ know that while no album should be expected for at least two years, the passionate vocalist is currently putting her pen and pad to work. Having been portrayed as the "white Aretha Franklin," this 19-year-old's next album will no doubt prove to, for the third time around, take us where no Englander has taken us before. For the spotlight on Stone, take a look here.

5) Terrianni Has Just GOTTA KNOW: Why is Paul Walker not in the next Fast and the Furious movie? It won't be the same without him.

Paul Walker will indeed be missed in the latest street racing flick, "The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift." Lucas Black, of "Friday Night Lights" and "Jarhead," has now taken over the lead. But what TMZ found out is that the "Fast and the Furious" franchise is actually centered around real life drift racing, as opposed to specific characters. And Paul Walker's role as Brian O'Conner in the previous two wasn't solely as a street racer. Now don't let the lack of Paul deter you from this fast-paced film. Make sure to check it out as it hits theaters June 16th. To catch up on the first two movies, check out some of these links.

6) Savannah Has Just GOTTA KNOW: What's going on with Eminem's marriage?

Eminem's second marriage to Kim Mathers didn't exactly work out the way either of them thought it would. While we can't say specifically what went wrong, we can say that the divorce was filed on Eminem's part due to "a breakdown in the marriage relationship to the extent that the objects of matrimony have been destroyed." For more details on the story, click here.

With alimony on the line, explicit pictures surfacing and a divorce unfolding, Heather Mills did what any other celebrity would do - went to the nail salon with a spare leg in tow.

Mills and a friend were spotted Monday leaving a salon in Rye, England. Mills' friend lent a hand by carrying Heather's prosthetic leg sporting a high heel.

Heather uses a prosthetic leg after losing hers in 1993 when she was struck by a police motorcycle while standing on a street corner in London.

4) Jessica Has Just GOTTA KNOW: Is Johnny Depp married to Vanessa Paradis?

Although they have been an item for quite some time now, Johnny Depp and french singer/actress Vanessa Paradis are not married. For one, Depp feels as if he would ruin Vanessa's name by adding his on. "It would be such a drag to stick her with Paradis-Depp. It's like a flat note." "It's so perfect -- Vanessa Paradis." And secondly, both feel that it is not a piece of paper that defines their relationship and the feelings they share for one another. Together they have two children, Lily-Rose Melody Depp and Jack Depp, and split their time residing in Los Angeles and in the South of France. Click here for the Johnny Depp photo gallery.

5) Forest Has Just GOTTA KNOW: Is Louis Gross on The Sopranos next season?

Although the details have yet to be ironed out, Louis Gross' character as Tony Soprano's bodyguard Perry Annunziata is expected to return next season. When asked for comment, Gross' agent Kevin McShane confirmed saying they "presume yes, but they haven't started working on it." The male model turned mobster was arrested back in April of 2006 for allegedly breaking into a Queens home and was charged with criminal mischief. If convicted, he faces a maximum of one year in jail. His next court appearance is set for July 17, 2006. For more celebs who have had run-ins with the law, take a look at 'Stars Behind Bars.'

6) Kathy Has Just GOTTA KNOW: Is Kevin Costner having marriage trouble?

Rumors that Kevin Costner and his bride Christine Baumgartner are having marital problems have indeed been circulating. However, according to a statement released by Costner's spokesman last month, "The story is false." Kevin has recently finished filming for the movie 'The Guardian,' and is currently working on 'Mr. Brooks.' For more of Kevin's movies, click here.

1) Norma Has Just GOTTA KNOW: Anything about Colin Farrell is welcome... I love him!!!

Norma, get ready to see Colin back on the big screen this summer on July 28th. He's returning to the action in Michael Mann's remake of 80's hit 'Miami Vice,' starring alongside Oscar winner Jamie Foxx. For more on bad boy Colin Farrell, take a look at his New York night out on the town in 'Star Catcher: NY.'

2) Gail Has Just GOTTA KNOW: Is the divorce between Rick Fox and Vanessa Williams final, meaning court papers exist to prove closure, or is the divorce still pending as the June 2006 Ebony magazine stated? What state did the divorce occur, if it occurred?

The divorce proceedings between retired Laker Rick Fox and singer/actress Vanessa Williams are in limbo, therefore, they are technically still married. Nothing has been filed regarding this case since April 1, 2005 classifying the status as an unknown disposition. So yes, Gail -- the story you read in the June 2006 edition of Ebony stands true as of now. For the spotlight on Vanessa, take a look at this.

3) Mailyn Has Just GOTTA KNOW: When does Rosie O'Donnell start 'The View'?

Rosie O'Donnell will make her latest daytime emergence on ABC's 'The View' in September, replacing host Meredith Vieira. The official April 28th announcement was the latest addition to the morning shake up of events: Katie Couric departed 'The Today Show,' while Meredith has officially said her good-byes on 'The View.' For a look into how the current cast of 'The View' took to the farewell, click here!

Jessica Simpson has offered Nick Lachey what is an "insulting" property settlement offer, banking on the assumption that Lachey does not want to press the matter in court.

Multiple sources connected with the former couple tell TMZ that Simpson has offered Lachey less than $1.5 million to settle the division of property. Under California law, Lachey would be entitled to half of what the couple earned during their marriage. The Associated Press reports that in 2004 alone, Simpson raked in $30 million.

Related video
What's left of Nick Lachey
Jessica's post-Nick life

Celebrity spotlight
Nick Lachey
Jessica Simpson

THE MARRIAGE: April 16, 2005

THE SPLIT: Sophia filed February 24, 2006

THE CHILDREN: None

Related link

• Sophia Talks About Wedded Bliss

THE MARRIAGE: February 14, 2000

THE SPLIT: Christian filed February 9, 2006

THE CHILDREN: Eliana Slater born August 15, 2001 and Jaden Slater born April 6, 1999

THE MARRIAGE: May 3, 2003

THE SPLIT: Matt filed March 30, 2006

THE CHILDREN: Marina LeBlanc born February 8, 2004

Related links
Before the Split

THE MARRIAGE: December 23, 1996

THE SPLIT: Donna filed April 28, 2006

THE CHILDREN: Frankie-Jean Sixx born January 2, 2001 and Rhyan D'Errico born April 1, 1993

THE MARRIAGE: June 22, 1985

THE SPLIT: Victoria filed May 23, 2006

THE CHILDREN: None

Hillary Swank and Chad Lowe also announced on Friday that the two were splitting after eight years, but no official papers have been filed.

Related links

Love isn't necessarily better the second time around as the Oscar-winning rapper files for divorce from his wife, again.

THE MARRIAGE: First marriage in 1999, first divorce in 2001, second marriage January 14, 2006

THE SPLIT: Eminem filed April 5, 2006

THE CHILDREN: Hailie Jade Scott born December 25, 1995

WHERE ARE THEY NOW: In April, less than three months after remarrying Kim Mathers, Eminem filed for divorce claiming "a breakdown in the marriage relationship to the extent that the objects of matrimony have been destroyed." The filing shows the couple had a prenuptial agreement and Eminem is seeking joint legal and physical custody of their daughter.

Earlier this month, Kim filed a counter complaint seeking joint legal and physical custody of their daughter, child support, payment of legal fees and payment for mortgage, insurance and utilities for her Michigan home. Although in the past Kim has been a source of lyrical inspiration for Eminem, so far, there's been no word if their latest split will be immortalized in his music.

Paul McCartney vs.

Despite being in the spotlight for decades, intense media scrutiny causes the music legend's marriage to go out of tune.

THE MARRIAGE: June 11, 2002

THE SPLIT: Underway

THE CHILDREN: Beatrice McCartney born October 28, 2003

WHERE ARE THEY NOW: After nearly four years of marriage, former Beatle Paul McCartney and his second wife Heather Mills McCartney separated. The couple blamed pressures from the media as the reason for the split, but insisted it was an amicable split.

For years the couple has been dogged with rumors that McCartney's children from his first marriage to Linda McCartney did not approve of the former model and animal rights advocate. The couple have always denied those allegations.

Despite McCartney's estimated wealth of $1.5 billion dollars, it is believed that he did not make Mills McCartney sign a pre-nuptial agreement.

Jessica Simpson vs. Nick Lachey

TMZ has learned that the divorce is becoming bitter over money.

THE MARRIAGE: October 26, 2002

THE SPLIT: Jessica filed December 16, 2005

WHERE ARE THEY NOW: Sources tell TMZ that lawyers for Nick and Jessica have been trying to hammer out a settlement, but it is falling apart. We're told Jessica has offered significantly less than half of what Nick would be entitled to under California law.

Ironically, it was Nick who wanted a pre-nup, which would have separated their property. Jessica said no, we're told, at the behest of her Dad/Manager Joe Simpson. TMZ also dug up an article in 2004 in which she said "If anything were to happen to me and Nick, I've had a great life with him and he would deserve half of everything I have." Well, actions speak louder than words and our sources says she's offered a lot less. They are miles apart on the financial settlement and the buzz is it's not any greediness on Nick's part. Sources say he will definitely not ask for spousal support, even though he probably could get it.

Related links

• Happier Times
• Lachey's Life Since the Split
• Nick and CaCee out in LA
• Simpson Star Catcher
• Jess' Life After Nick

Hilary Swank is officially filing for divorce from Chad Lowe, her husband of eight years, PEOPLE magazine reports.

Related link

People Magazine - Hilary Swank, Chad Lowe to Divorce

David and Pamela Hasselhoff have settled their child custody dispute and they have left very little to chance.

Under the settlement agreement, filed May 4 in Los Angeles County Superior Court, David and Pamela have joint custody of their two daughters Taylor, 16 and Haley 13. As for physical custody, it will be split 50 / 50.

Related links

• Custody settlement

Denise Richards speaks out for the first time about her bitter divorce with Charlie Sheen. In an exclusive on-camera interview with TMZ's Managing Editor Harvey Levin, Richards says she feels hurt by her one-time good friend Heather Locklear.

Richards talks about her relationship with Locklear's estranged husband Richie Sambora and Locklear's reported anger over it.

And there's a new twist. Richards' interview comes amid new questions over the timing of Locklear's romance with David Spade. The Richards/Sheen Locklear/Sambora divorces have gripped Hollywood, and TMZ has the lowdown.

Related links

• Richards talks to TMZ