A Summary of the Frederick Chiluba Divorce

Born April 30, 1943 Frederick Chiluba is a Zambian politician who was the second President of the African nation from 1991 to 2002. Before being elected, Chiluba was a trade union leader, who won the presidential election in 1991 as the candidate of the Movement for Multiparty Democracy—Chiluba defeated long-time President Kenneth Kaunda. Chiluba was then re-elected in 1996; Chiluba, as a result of his re-election, was unable to run for a third term in 2001. Following his leave of office, Chiluba was the subject of a long and scandalous trial regarding alleged corruption; Chiluba was eventually acquitted from these charges in 2009.

Divorce Details regarding the Frederick Chiluba Settlement:

Frederick Chiluba, before he started his political career, married his child-hood love, Vera Chiluba in the 1970s. The couples, after 33 years of marriage, faced irreconcilable differences that ultimately ended their partnership. The couple opted for an annulment as oppose to a divorce; however, the Frederick Chiluba divorce settlement is regarded as one of the most costly in the history of marriage. At the time the couple split, Vera requested a settlement of a whopping $2.5 billion dollars—approximately three quarters of Zambia’s Gross Domestic Product. Enraged by this request, Frederick Chiluba contested the divorce, claiming that Vera is not worthy of such an egregious request. In addition to the $2.5 billion, Vera also requested some of the couple’s concrete assets, including six houses and a farm—Vera formally requested that Frederick transfer ownership of the couples 400 cows, sheep and goats. As a result of the sketchiness surrounding the true net worth of Frederick it is unkown how he was able to meet these request. Currently the divorce settlement is still pending; the couple is still arguing over the appropriate transfer of assets and monies. Vera, who is living off government assistance, has hired a team of lawyers and legal professionals to counter Frederick’s claims and refusal to give in to his former wife’s demands. 

Overview of the Laura Dern Divorce Case:

Born February 10, 1967 Laura Dern is an American actress, producer and director, who is most widely known for her starring roles in such hit films as Jurassic Park, Blue Velvet, October Sky, and rambling Rose. Throughout the course of her career, Dern has received an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress in a Leading Role, a Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actress in a television show, miniseries or series.

Dern has had numerous high-profile romances throughout her acting career, most notably to Nicolas Cage, Renny Harlin, Jeff Goldblum, Billy Bob Thornton and Kyle MacLachlan. Additionally, Dern married musician Ben Harper on December 23, 2005 after dating for over five years. The couple shares two children together, son Ellery Walker and daughter Jaya.

Ben Harper filed for divorce from the actress on October 8, 2010 citing irreconcilable differences. The Laura Dern divorce marked the dissolution of the marriage between Dern and Harper; the Laura Dern divorce is still pending amidst reports that the couple is trying to work on their marital problems. According to additional reports, it has been stated that the couple has been spotted traveling together throughout their divorce proceedings. These reports go on to say that Dern and Harper have displayed public intimacy as recently as January. Reports; however are somewhat hazy regarding the filing of divorce and whether the couple will actually undergo dissolution of marriage. Regardless of the stage of the divorce proceeding, Dern, who at the time of the filing, claimed she was shocked and blindsided by the divorce filing. Confused and perturbed by the situation, Dern asked the Los Angeles County Division presiding over the divorce proceeding to split custody of their children. It has been reported Harper isseeking full-custody.

The Plea of ‘No Contest’ within the Laura Dern:

An uncontested divorce is one in which both parties have reached a mutual agreement with regard to the reasons behind filing for divorce, as well as the placement of fault in conjunction to the breakdown of the marriage. In the case of the Laura Dern, both Ben Harper and Laura Dern opted to file for a divorce uncontested – or unchallenged – in nature, which retained the classification of the reason for the Laura Dern as a result, a bulk of celebrity couples undertaking divorce proceedings opt to either settle outside of court or file for divorce in an uncontested fashion in order to avoid potential media coverage and publicity.

The Terms of the Laura Dern Settlement:

A divorce settlement will typically include 3 primary facets with regard to the terms and conditions set forth by the presiding court official who was responsible for determining spousal support – in the form of alimony, child custody – and subsequent child support payments, and the division of assets. Details surrounding the Laura Dern divorce are somewhat sketchy; conflicting reports have arisen claiming that the couple has reconciled their differences. That being said, the divorce papers are currently pending, for they have not been retracted by Harper. Surely the Laura Dern divorce case will garner more media attention as the circumstances and the details of the settlement will be elucidated upon.

Overview of the Jason London Divorce

Born on November 7 of 1972, Jason London is an American actor, who is best known for his starriing role as Randall Floyd in the 1980’s classic Dazed and Confused. Following this role, London has sporadically earned parts in smaller films; however, London has recently been in the news as a result of his lengthy divorce with former wife Charlie Spradling.

Jason London married Spradling in November of 1999. The couple remained married until 2002, when the couple separated amidst rumors of infidelity on the part of London. Although this relationship seems like any other Hollywood romance, the London case is somewhat unique because the divorce was not finalized until a decade later. Spradling and London filed a no-contest divorce in a Los Angeles family court; however, the divorce was never finalized because the documents were not formally entered into the city’s court system. The divorce documents, were just recently filed, in March of 2011 in a Los Angeles Superior Court, effectively ending the marriage between London and Spradling. As a result of this lengthy delay, London was not allowed to officially re-marry until his previous marriage was either annulled or terminated through divorce. Problems arose because of this situation, due to London’s longtime relationship with girlfriend Sofia Karstens. When the divorce was finally formalized earlier this year, London then proposed to longtime girlfriend Sofia Karstens—the couple plans to officially marry in the summer of 2011.

The Plea of ‘No Contest’ within the Jason London Divorce:

An uncontested divorce is one in which both parties have reached a mutual agreement with regard to the reasons behind filing for divorce, as well as the placement of fault in conjunction to the breakdown of the marriage. In the case of the Jason London Divorce, both Jason London and Charlie Spradling opted to file for a divorce uncontested – or unchallenged – in nature, which retained the classification of the reason for the Jason London Divorce as a result, a bulk of celebrity couples undertaking divorce proceedings opt to either settle outside of court or file for divorce in an uncontested fashion in order to avoid potential media coverage and publicity.

The Terms of the Jason London Divorce Settlement:

A divorce settlement will typically include 3 primary facets with regard to the terms and conditions set forth by the presiding court official who was responsible for determining spousal support – in the form of alimony, child custody – and subsequent child support payments, and the division of assets. In the case of the Jason London Divorce, Jason London and Charlie Spradling undertook a settlement that offered Spradling sole legal and physical custody of the couple’s 15-year old daughter. In addition, London is ordered by the Los Angeles Superior Court to provide over $1,000 per month in the form of child support payments to Spradling. Although this fee seems somewhat large considering London’s relative dearth of wealth, neither side in the Jason London divorce settlement was ordered to pay spousal support.

Who is Kobe Bryant?

Born August 23, 1978 Kobe Bryan is an American professional basketball superstar who currently plays shooting guard for the Los Angeles Lakers of the NBA. Bryant, who was recognized as the nation’s top high school basketball player in 1996, skipped college to enter the NBA draft, where the future star was chosen 13th overall by the Charlotte Hornets. Following this pick, Bryan was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers for Center Vlade Divac.

Kobe Bryant is regarded as one of the greatest basketball players of all time; the explosive Bryant is a 5-time NBA champion, 2-time NBA Most Valuable Player Award winner, 13-time NBA All-Star and 2-time scoring champ. In addition to his enviable skill-set, Bryant is regarded as one of the fiercest competitors in sports; the Philadelphia native is often compared to Michael Jordan in regards to not only his style of play, but his unrivaled ferocity. Although this passion for the game ultimately has led to great success for Bryant, his competitive edge has also caused the star to fall in disfavor.

Kobe Bryant’s on-the-court Incident:

On April 12, 2011 while the Lakers were playing their rivals, the San Antonio Spurs, Bryant was called for a routine fall. Upset by the call, Bryant stormed to the bench in the midst of an expletive-filled tirade. As the camera panned to a clearly frustrated and angered Bryant, the star shouted a homophobic slur aimed at the referee who whistled the foul. The slur, which was not picked up in audio by cameras, was easy read as a result of the emphasis and anger which it was delivered. Although the commentators refrained from commenting on the slur, the footage hit the Internet the next day and immediately sparked uproar in the gay and lesbian community.

Jarret Barrios, President of the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation, issued a response claiming that Bryant’s actions were deplorable and that the star needed to be held responsible. In response to the outrage, the National Basketball Association fined Bryant $100,000 for his hateful remarks. Following the fine, Bryan released a statement saying he didn’t mean to offend anyone when he used the homographic slur to express his frustration. In addition, Bryant promised to redeem himself in the gay and lesbian community by creating programs aimed to educate individuals against using hateful remarks.

The Kobe Bryant incident, regarding the use of homophobic rhetoric, was not viewed as a malicious nor desperate situation by his fellow peers. Numerous NBA players claimed that, between the lines, during the intensity of an NBA contest a lot of hateful remarks are said. Although these words, on their surface, appear debilitating, they are simply a part of a competitive culture and do not carry any hateful or prejudice undertones directed at a particular gender, race or sexual orientation.

Overview of the Carmen Electra Divorce

Born on April 20 of 1972, Carmen Electra is an American model, actress, television personality and sex symbol. Electra gained fame for her appearances in Playboy magazine, for her role as host on the MTV game show Singled Out, and her for the hit TV series Baywatch. Since these various roles, Carmen Electra has acted in several parody films including Scary Movie, Meet the Spartans and Disaster Movie. Electra married basketball star Dennis Rodman in November of 1998. At this time, Rodman was a crucial piece of the Chicago Bulls Dynasty; Rodman is a hall of fame NBA player who holds numerous rebounding records. Basketball aside; however, Rodman was also notorious for his eccentric personality and his crazy lifestyle. The Carmen Electra and Dennis Rodman wedding took place at the Little Chapel of the Flowers in Las Vegas, Nevada; however, the union did not last long—Electra filed for divorce just 6 months after the couple tied the knot.
 
The Carmen Electra Divorce marked the dissolution of the marriage between Carmen Electra and Dennis Rodman; the Carmen Electra Divorce was finalized in April of 1999, which ended the 6th month marriage between Electra and Rodman. Although the case of the Carmen Electra Divorce, which was considered by various media outlets as a celebrity, the impact of the dissolution of a union is thought to be universal; amongst the events and undertakings within a divorce proceeding, a divorce has the potential to elicit heightened emotions, such as sadness and loss. Furthermore, the reasoning for the breakdown of a marriage – regardless of the degree of celebrity status – will typically provide a legal framework for the terms and conditions latent within a divorce settlement:

The Plea of ‘No Contest’ within the Carmen Electra Divorce

An uncontested divorce is one in which both parties have reached a mutual agreement with regard to the reasons behind filing for divorce, as well as the placement of fault in conjunction to the breakdown of the marriage. In the case of the Carmen Electra Divorce, both Dennis Rodman and Carmen Electra opted to file for an uncontested annulment, by claiming that they were under the influence of alcohol during the exchange of nuptials. A Los Angeles Court granted the annulment in April, effectively ruling the Carmen Electra and Dennis Rodman divorce null and void.

Who is Angelina Jolie?

Angelina Jolie, born on June 4, 1975, is an American actress, who is revered for her exceptional beauty and acting capabilities. Jolie has received an Academy Award, three Golden Globes and two Screen Actors Guild Awards throughout her illustrious career. In addition to her achievements and success, Jolie promotes humanitarian causes and is noted for her work with various organizations. Along with being cited as one of the world’s most attractive people, Jolie is regarded as a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.

Jolie, who is best known for her acting career, is also married to world-renown actor, Brad Pitt. Together the couple, aside from starring in movies, has taken the route of philanthropy, aiding numerous 3rd world countries and providing funding for a number of impoverished communities throughout the world. Furthermore, the couple has adopted many children from struggling nations.

Angelina Jolie’s Kids:

On March 10, 2002, Angelina Jolie adopted her first child, seven month old Maddox Chiva, from Cambodia. Maddox was born on August 5, 20001, were he lived in an impoverished orphanage in Battambang. Jolly applied for adoption after she had visited Cambodia, while filming the action-adventure movie Tomb Raider in 2000. Following the filming, Jolie went back to Cambodia for an UNHCR field trip in 2001. Although Jolie announced the adoption as a joint-filing with then husband Billy Bob Thornton, Jolie in fact adopted Maddox as a single parent and as a result, received sole custody of the boy after the couple split-up.

Following the adoption of Maddox, Jolie adopted six month old Zahara Marley from Ethiopa on July 6, 2005. Marley was born on January 8, 2005 to an orphanage in Addis Abada. Husband Brad Pitt, who was present when Jolie signed the divorce papers, agreed to adopt Marley with his wife. This adoption was finalized shortly before the birth of the couple’s first biological child.

Jolie gave birth to daughter Shiloh, by a schedules c-section, on May 27, 2006. The baby was born in Nambia—People magazine, an American publication, paid over 4 million dollars to take first photograph of the newborn—all proceeds generated from photos of Shiloh were donated to charity.

On March 15, 2007, Jolie adopted three-year-old Pax Thien from Vietnam. Pax, who was born on November 29, 2003 was abandoned at birth at a hospital in the nation’s capital.

In May of 2008, while at the Cannes Film Festival, Jolie confirmed that was expecting twins; she later gave birth to son Knox and daughter Vivienne Marcheline by c-section in Nice, France on July 12, 2008. The rights for the first images of the twins were jointly sold to People and Hello (a British publication) for over $14 million dollars. The procededs were then donated to the Jolie-Pitt foundation. 

Who is Sarah Ferguson?

Sarah Ferguson, also known as the Duchess of York, is a British spokesperson, writer, charity person, television personality, producer and former member of the British Royal Family. Sarah Ferguson was married to Queen Elizabeth II’s second son, Prince Andrew Duke of York for 10 years—from 1986 to 1996. During this time, the British tabloids often ridiculed Ferguson after her weight had ballooned to over 220 pounds. Following the divorce, the media harassment did not stop; the tabloids were extremely critical of Ferguson’s alleged extravagant lifestyle.

To alleviate the problems that were perpetuated by the media and to fall in good standing with the general population, Ferguson forwent a large divorce settlement—Ferguson also refused to engage in a settlement in hopes of maintaining a civil relationship with the Royal Family. Following the refusal to engage in a settlement, Ferguson set out to establish a commercial and media career in the United States. Sarah Ferguson lost weight and as a result, became the official spokesperson for Weight Watchers International—a business deal that proved lucrative for Ferguson over a lengthy period of time. In addition to her deal with Weight Watchers, Ferguson engaged in a number of other roles aligned with media and commercial activity in the United States. Ferguson also gave speeches throughout the nation, which covered a number of subjects, ranging from empowerment and growth to international charity.

Sarah Ferguson Scandal:

In May of 2010, Sarah Ferguson was filmed offering access to Prince Andrew and the Royal Family for an amount, which ranged north of 500,000 pounds. The filming was offered by Mazher Mahmood, an undercover reporter who posed as an Indian businessman—Mahmood was reporting for the popular British Tabloid News of the World. During the video, which was initially made as a documentary, Sarah Ferguson says, “500,000 pounds can open doors.” During this filming, the former Duchess of York is seen taking away a briefcase which contained roughly $40,000 in cash. This scandal ultimately crippled Ferguson’s public image. Since the Sarah Fergsuon scandal, the former Duchess of York, in various interviews, has stated that a drinking problem led to the soliciting of cash and that the moment, caught on film, was one of the lowest points of her life.

Who is Brook Mueller?

Born August 19, 1977 Brooke Mueller is an American Actress who is best known for her role was “Janet” in the 1999 film “Witchhouse” as well as her recent marriage to Movie Star and pop-culture icon Charlie Sheen.  With Sheen, Mueller gave birth to twin sons, Bob and Max, on March 14, 2009. Sheen filed for divorce from Mueller in November of 2010 following an infamous incident between the couple, in which, Mueller accused Sheen of strangling her and threatening to kill her.  Currently the two stars are engaged in a bitter and controversial custody battle over their children.

The divorce was approved by a Los Angeles Superior Court judge and will become officially effective on May 2, 2011. Similarly to her ex-husband, Brooke Mueller has faced numerous legal troubles; these run-ins with the law, as well as her ex-husband’s outlandish behavior, have complicated the custody hearing.

Brooke Mueller’s Legal Troubles and Drug Test:

In September of 1996, Brooke Mueller was arrested for driving under the influence and property damage. The actress was then arrested 5 years later in March of 2001 for possession of cocaine. These legal troubles have recently resurfaced in alignment with Mueller and Sheen’s child custody case. In addition to these legal troubles, Mueller has long battled an addiction to drugs. The actress reportedly checked into a rehab center after peculiar behavior during the early part of April; the actress was seen trying to hock jewelry and a stereo at a pawn shop in Inglewood, California. Later that week, Brooke Mueller refused to partake in a drug test, which was court-ordered to prove that the mother is responsible for caring for a child. As a result of her ex-husband’s media tour and recent downfall, the former actress has requested full custody of the couple’s twin children.

Actor Charlie Sheen and his ex-wife appeared in a Los Angeles courtroom on April 19th, 2011 to face off in a custody battle over Max and Bob. Sheen and his attorney planned to argue that Mueller has fallen victim to a drug relapse and is unfit to care for their children. Mueller’s mother, who is currently caring for the troubled couple’s children, has stated that Sheen is clearly unfit to care for anyone, including himself. TMZ, popular gossip media outlet, has reported that Sheen’s ex-wife, Denise Richards, has offered to let the boys live with her until things are stable in Sheen’s and Mueller’s life.

The custody case, which is still pending, is assumed to be a heated controversy between the mercurial couple. Sheen is expected to request full custody of the twins, while claiming that Brooke Mueller, considering her recent relapse, is unfit to raise the couple’s children. In response, Brooke Mueller is expected to also claim full custody, as a result of her ex-husband’s, expletive-filled rants, his firing from the hit television show Two and a Half Men, and his absurd behavior are blatant red flags that would impede him from properly raising children.

Who was Sharon Tate?

Born on January 24 of 1943, Sharon Tate was an American film actress who began her career in the early 60s where she played minor television roles. Tate, who was known for her spunky personality and beauty, received positive reviews for her comedic performances. Tate quickly grasped the attention of movie-goers and critics alike; she was hailed as Hollywood’s promising stars and was nominated for a Golden Globe for her lead role in Valley of the Dolls. In addition to her promising acting career, Tate also appeared regularly in various fashion magazines as a model and cover girl.

Tate married film director Roman Polanski in 1968; she was eight and a half months pregnant when she was savagely murdered in her home by followers of Charles Manson’s psychotic ideology.

The Murder of Sharon Tate:

On August 8, 1969 Sharon Tate was just two weeks from giving birth to her and Roman’s first child. That afternoon, Tate entertained two friends—actresses Barbara Lewis and Joanna Pettet–for lunch at her home. During the lunch, Tate confided in her friends over her disappointment at Polenski’s delay in returning from London, where he was filming a movie.

On the evening of August 8, 1969 Tate, along with three friends (including the heir to the Folger fortune) went for dinner and returned to Tate’s home at roughly 10:30 p.m. During the night, they were brutally murdered by members of Charles Manson’s clan, “The Family”. The next day, Tate’s body—along her friends—was discovered by Tate’s housekeeper. When police arrived on scene, they immediately discovered the body of a young man, identified as Steven Parent, shot to death in his car, which was in Tate’s driveway. Inside the home, Tate’s body was found in the living room; she was connected to one of her friend’s corpse by a long rope which was tied around the victim’s necks. Tate’s other friends, were discovered dead, by stab wounds, on the front lawn. Each victim, with the exception of Parent, died from multiple stab wounds. The coroner’s report for Tate revealed that the actress had been stabbed sixteen times and that five of the wounds would have acted as singularly fatal blows. The murders devastated not
only Polanski and Tate’s family, but the general population as well.

Arrest and Trial of the Manson Family:

In November 1969, Susan Atkins, while in prison for grand theft auto, boasted to an inmate regarding her role in the murder of Sharon Tate. This ultimately led to the indictment of the “Family” and the leader, Charles Manson. The Los Angeles County District Attorney made a deal with Atkins that guaranteed her refrainment from the death penalty for the exchange of her grand jury and trial testimony. Although the trial was lengthy and filled with numerous paradoxical statements on behalf of Atkins, numerous “Family” members were found guilty for their involvement in the murder of Sharon Tate. 

Overview of the Brenda Strong Divorce:

Born on March 25th of 1960, Brenda Strong is an American Actress and prominent yoga instructor, who is most widely known for her role as Mary Young, on the hit television show Deperate Housewives.

Brenda Strong married Tom Henri in July of 1989; together couple shares one child, Zakery Henri. The Brenda Strong Divorce marked the dissolution of the marriage between Strong and Henry; the Brenda Strong Divorce was filed on January 14, 2011, which ended the 21-year long marriage between Henri and Strong. Although the divorce has yet to be finalized, the papers were filed by Brenda, claiming irreconcilable differences as the mechanism that prompted the dissolution. The couple, who was happily married for nearly two decades, decided to amicably call it quits. Strong, who is 50, filed for the divorce and claimed that she is looking to embark on these proceedings in the most streamlined manner possible. As a result of the couple’s individual wealth and the lack of a prenuptial agreement, it is assumed that the filing will be relatively smooth—something of a novel feat when compared to the majority of celebrity marriages.

The Plea of ‘No Contest’ within the Brenda Strong Divorce:

An uncontested divorce is one in which both parties have reached a mutual agreement with regard to the reasons behind filing for divorce, as well as the placement of fault in conjunction to the breakdown of the marriage. In the case of the Brenda Strong Divorce, both Tom Henri and Brenda Strong opted to file for a divorce uncontested – or unchallenged – in nature, which retained the classification of the reason for the Brenda Strong Divorce as a result, a bulk of celebrity couples undertaking divorce proceedings opt to either settle outside of court or file for divorce in an uncontested fashion in order to avoid potential media coverage and publicity.

The Terms of the Brenda Strong Divorce Settlement:

A divorce settlement will typically include 3 primary facets with regard to the terms and conditions set forth by the presiding court official who was responsible for determining spousal support – in the form of alimony, child custody – and subsequent child support payments, and the division of assets. In the case of the Brenda Strong Divorce, Tom Henri and Brenda Strong are in the process of negotiating a disclosed divorce settlement that will include custody and subsequent child support payments for their lone child. In the State of California, there exists a statute that recognizes joint assets accrued by a couple subsequent to marriage as ‘community property’; community property was split upon the finalization of the Brenda Strong Divorce – supplemental agreements with regard to the additional furnishing of assets or monies are typically kept private.