From Davos Lesbian Romance to a £225M Legal War: Scandalous Divorce of American Millionaire and British Actress Reaches High Court

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.