14 DAY TRIAL // They have been by each other's side through thick and thin for 16 years of marriage but, as with all good things, this too must end. Antonio Banderas and Melanie Griffith have serious marital issues and are heading for divorce, it has emerged.
The National Enquirer claims in its latest print issue (story via CB) to have it on very good authority that the two superstars are thisclose to announcing their separation and divorce.
Antonio's infidelities might have had something to do with the demise of their marriage, the report hints.
What's more, the tab claims, it's not just heartbreak that the two have to deal with, assuming they do go ahead and file for divorce: there is also the financial aspect to consider.
The couple is worth an estimated $50 million (€39.3 million) and dividing the estate could prove a headache.
“While Melanie was the bigger star when the A-listers married 16 years ago, sources say Antonio could walk away with half their fortune and wind up ahead because his earning power has soared while Melanie’s has plummeted,” The Enquirer writes.
A spy tells the tab that the actress is terribly upset at the thought: not only will her ex walk away with her hard-earned money, but he will also get to make more, since he continues to be in high demand.
“There’s a lot of money at stake. Melanie’s a mess. Not only is in jeopardy of losing the love of her life, but her career is in the toilet while Antonio’s star is continuing to rise,” says the spy who claims to be a “family source.”
“I think Melanie’s self esteem hit an all time low and she believed Antonio was torturing her [by openly flirting with other women]. For years, it’s as if she’s been consumed with jealousy over his flirting and outspoken love for beautiful women,” the insider goes on to say.
“I don’t think Melanie can live with the constant fear that he might cheat. Melanie’s a dirty divorce veteran. But a split from Antonio could very well be the nastiest. There’s a lot of money at stake – and a lot of emotion,” notes the same tipster.
As noted above, Antonio and Melanie have been married for 16 years, during which time they proved they were anything but a “normal” Hollywood couple by standing by each other during both troubled and happy times.