Actor described it as a ‘crushing moment’
Kevin Costner admits that his tumultuous divorce from ex-wife Christine Baumgartner was extremely difficult for him.
The ‘Draft Day’ star was quick to admit that the divorce from his wife of 18 years hurt him, describing it in no uncertain terms.
“That’s a crushing moment,” Costner admitted on CBS Mornings. “It’s powerful and it hurt.”
However, Costner emphasized that he has “no choice” but to move forward because his children are “looking” at him.
“So, I can’t wilt like a daisy,” he added.
“I have to go forward, I have to continue to be who I am and keep a special eye on who they are.”
How will Costner move forward?
Costner and Baumgartner, 50, share three children – Cayden Wyatt, 17, Hayes Logan, 15, and Grace Avery, 14. They battled in court for months over child support payments. Baumgartner argued that their teens were accustomed to a lavish lifestyle, including private planes and luxurious vacations, thus Costner should pay more.
Ultimately, a judge decided that Costner would pay $63,209 a month in child support, less than half of what Baumgartner had requested.
The exes also contested spousal support and their prenuptial agreement, finally settling the divorce in September 2023, with the official finalization occurring in February. Details of the settlement were not disclosed, but Baumgartner had to pay Costner over $1 million in attorney’s fees for challenging the prenup.
Costner has been candid about the toll the ordeal took on him. In May, he told GQ that he felt “broken” but committed to pushing through while working on new projects.
“No matter how much my heart’s on the ground, no matter how broken I may be on a daily basis … I do have a level of responsibility to those involved in these projects,” he said.
