Ashton Kutcher, Demi Moore Divorce Battle Over $10 Million Hedge Fund
Demi Moore and Ashton Kutcher are locked in a $10 million battle over their divorce.
The New York Post reported on Wednesday that the estranged couple have still not reached a settlement in their divorce. The couple split in November 2011 amid allegations that Kutcher cheated and now other parties such as Madonna's manager Guy Oseary and billionaire Ron Burkle are beig dragged into the legal proceedings. Kutcher and Oseary earlier this month announced their fund A-Grade investments that was estimated be worth $10 million. Since his divorce has not been finalized, Moore has felt as though she is entitled to his lucrative wages. The two have been trying to reach a settlement for more than a year without much success.
"Ashton made a lot of money after they married, but he doesn't believe he owes her as much as she is asking for," the source said.
The source added that Kutcher set up the hedge fund with Oseary and Burkle in 2010 when he was still with the Ghost actress. However, he recently told Moore's lawyers that his contribution to the enterprise was limited to $1 million. Her representatives are disputing that assertion and the true value of the partnership.
"Now it seems Ashton and Oseary were working towards a private offering based on a valuation of $100 million," the source said . "Ashton owns 20 percent of the fund, under California law, Demi should be entitled to half of his share - $10 million."
Moore and Kutcher married in September 2005 in a Kabbalah ceremony despite their age difference. Moore is 50 and Kutcher is 35, but irreconcilable differences was cited as the reason for their split. At the time, Moore released a statement that said it was with a heavy heart that she was ending her marriage.
"As a woman, a mother and a wife there are certain values and vows that I hold sacred, and it is in this spirit that I have chosen to move forward with my life," she said.
Kutcher took it upon himself to file for a formal divorce in December 2012. Kutcher had started a relationship with his That '70s Show costar Mila Kunis after the separation from Moore. In response to Kutcher's petition, Moore demanded spousal support from her ex who reportedly earned $24 million year from the CBS show Two and a Half Men. Moore felt she deserved compensation for making Kutcher the star he is today.
"Ashton made a lot of money after marrying Demi - a lot more than she made - but despite him becoming just as famous through her, he believes he doesn't owe her that much," a source said in March.
