• Jennifer Lawrence Threatens to Leave Instagram Over Negative Comments

  Jennifer Lawrence has barely joined Instagram and is already threatening to leave the platform if fans start posting toxic or negative comments...

• 86-Year-Old Ralph Lauren Alarms Fans With Frail Appearance at New York Fashion Week

  The legendary designer unveiled his new collection in Manhattan, with numerous stars in attendance, including Viola Davis, Elizabeth Debicki and Cynthia Erivo...

• “Colonel Vodka” and His Wife Instead of a Deputy Secretary: Discontent With Pete Hegseth Is Growing at the Pentagon

  In his HOWL newsletter, Wolff writes that the steady stream of leaks from the Pentagon is linked to Hegseth’s growing unpopularity both within the Defense Department and the White House...

• Melania Trump Defends Husband’s Aide Amid Rumors of Her “Special Relationship” With the President

  U.S. First Lady Melania Trump’s team has come to the defense of Natalie Harp amid heightened attention surrounding the White House aide’s close relationship with President Donald Trump...

• Princess Diana’s Legendary “Revenge Dress” to Go Under the Hammer: Iconic Gown Expected to Fetch Up to $300,000

  Princess Diana’s famous black dress, which went down in history as the “revenge dress,” is set to go under the hammer once again — and this time, the iconic gown could fetch a six-figure sum...

• Brooks Nader Went Topless in Front of Her Father on a Family Vacation: “He Didn’t Even Notice”

  Brooks Nader has no regrets about deciding to go topless in front of her father while swimming and is unfazed by those who criticized her for it...

• Kendall Jenner Expands Her Business Empire: Model Takes Stake in $200 Million Calming Drinks Brand

  Kendall Jenner has expanded her business empire by acquiring a stake in Trip, a calming drinks brand valued at $200 million...

• Bruce Willis’ Wife Opens Up About His Dementia Battle: “We Live in a Constant State of Grief”

  Bruce Willis’ family continues to learn how to live with his devastating diagnosis. The actor’s wife, Emma Heming Willis, has revealed that they are living in a “constant state of grief” as they care for the 71-year-old star, who has frontotemporal dementia (FTD)...

From romantic beginnings in Davos to a £225 million battle: the turbulent breakup of an American millionaire and a British actress has escalated into a high-stakes legal war in London's High Court.

The romance between multi-millionaire Angelique Brunner and young actress Thea Bartok began like a fairytale at the World Economic Forum in Davos. Six years of lavish living later, the couple is dividing a fortune in court.

They met in 2019 at the World Economic Forum in Davos.

Thea Bartok (34) is a young British actress and singer who appeared in the action movie Jolt alongside Kate Beckinsale and Stanley Tucci. At the time they met, she was living in a rented apartment in Notting Hill and was married.

Angelique "Angel" Brunner (54) is an American businesswoman who grew up in poverty but went on to graduate from an Ivy League university and make a fortune in real estate.

Despite a 20-year age gap and Bartok's marriage, romance quickly sparkled between them. Soon, Bartok became part of Brunner's luxurious world: private jets with Richard Branson, helicopter rides to ski resorts, White House receptions, and views of the New York skyline from a personal penthouse.

Three Wedding Attempts and a Prenup Ultimatum

Getting married on the first try proved impossible for the couple:

• July 2019 (Hawaii): The couple tied the knot 6 days after getting engaged, but the marriage was later deemed invalid because Bartok's official divorce from her first husband had not yet been finalized.

• April 2020 (Florida): The second ceremony was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

• July 30, 2020 (Colorado): The couple finally officially tied the knot at a resort in Steamboat Springs.

However, right before the third ceremony, Brunner issued an ultimatum. According to Bartok, 24 hours before the wedding, she was forced to sign a prenuptial agreement (PNA) under which she would not receive a single penny in the event of a divorce.

"My visa was expiring, and if we didn't get married, I didn't know when I would see her again. We signed the contract remotely in front of a notary in an atmosphere of extreme stress," Bartok stated in court.

"Financial Abuse": London's High Court and Eviction Threats

The relationship hit the rocks last autumn, and Thea filed for divorce. Bartok is now represented by top British lawyer Ayesha Vardag, known as the "Divorce Diva" for her uncompromising style.

During the marriage, Brunner's fortune grew from £67 million to £225 million (though the businesswoman herself declares a smaller amount—around £45 million). While the proceedings continue, Thea Bartok faces potential eviction from her £1 million apartment in South Kensington due to rent arrears.

Bartok's legal team accuses Brunner of refusing to comply with British court rulings and failing to pay spousal support:

• London's High Court has already found Brunner guilty of contempt of court for refusing to pay her wife £11,000 for living and legal expenses.

• The actress's lawyers describe the millionaire's behavior as "stingy and cruel," accusing her of financial control and manipulation.

• Adding to her psychological exhaustion, Bartok reported a "strange theft" from her home, during which her wedding dress was among the missing items.

The Forum Shopping Battle

The main clash currently centers on where the case will be heard:

• Thea Bartok insists on keeping the process in the UK, where courts typically divide assets 50/50 and protect the financially weaker spouse.

• Brunner is attempting to transfer the proceedings to the US (Florida), where permanent alimony was abolished in 2023 and asset division rules are far less favorable to the claimant.

Bartok's lawyers accuse Brunner of "forum shopping"—alleging that the millionaire is deliberately moving from state to state to choose jurisdictions with laws that allow her to retain all her assets.

A decision from London's High Court regarding where the divorce proceedings will take place is expected shortly.

Follow NEWS.am STYLE on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram