Celebrities who filed for bankruptcy

Celebrities can get wealthy, however that does not essentially imply that they are good with cash or that they will all the time have wealth at their fingertips. Many well-known stars have needed to declare chapter.

Sonja Morgan of “Actual Housewives of New York Metropolis” (seen right here on “Watch What Occurs Reside with Andy Cohen”) is among the many stars who has skilled monetary bother.

Which actors, musicians, comedians, athletes, and different entertainers have had fame with out the fortune? Fairly just a few. For the document, we solely counted celebrities who filed for private chapter, so celebrity-fronted companies aren’t included right here.

Alex Jones

InfoWars founder Alex Jones filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in December 2022, citing almost $1.5 billion value of debt. A courtroom had ordered Jones to pay hundreds of millions in damages to the dad and mom of kids killed within the Sandy Hook Elementary College bloodbath in 2012. Jones had repeatedly referred to the mass capturing as a “hoax.” 

Attorneys for the Sandy Hook households known as the chapter submitting “cowardly,” however Jones says he’ll show that he does not have any cash. In keeping with the submitting, his belongings are between $1 million and $10 million.

Todd Chrisley

Todd Chrisley of “Chrisley Is aware of Finest” could not know greatest relating to funds. In August 2012, the enterprise government filed for chapter, claiming $49.4 million in debt. 

Two years later, his household acquired a actuality present about its lavish life-style.

In 2019, Chrisley and spouse Julie have been indicted on tax evasion, financial institution fraud, and wire fraud fees. They have been convicted and sentenced to 12 and seven years in jail, respectively, in November 2022. “Chrisley Is aware of Finest” was canceled.

Teresa and Joe Giudice

Teresa and Joe Giudice have been first featured on “The Actual Housewives of New Jersey” in 2009, the identical 12 months they filed for chapter. They claimed they have been almost $11 million in debt. In 2013, they have been charged for trying to defraud lenders and hiding revenue throughout their chapter. They both served prison time.

Immediately, the Giudices are divorced. Joe was deported to his native Italy, and Teresa is remarried to Luis Ruelas.

Sonja Morgan

Teresa Giudice is not the one member of the “Actual Housewives” household with monetary points. RHONY forged member Sonja Morgan filed for Chapter 11 chapter in 2010 after divorcing her husband. She reportedly said that she owed $19.8 million to collectors and had $13.5 million in belongings.

Morgan settled her debt in 2015.

PK and Dorit Kemsley

Paul “PK” and Dorit Kemsley of “The Actual Housewives of Beverly Hills” fame additionally bumped into monetary (and authorized) troubles. PK filed for private chapter in 2012 within the U.Ok., however a New York court ordered that his case be transferred to the U.S., because it’s his main residence. 

He married Dorit in 2015. The drama has been ongoing. Fellow RHOBH castmate Camille Grammer confronted Dorit about her husband’s money owed in a single contentious 2019 episode.

Abby Lee Miller

Lifetime’s present “Dance Mothers” centered round Abby Lee Miller, the proprietor and teacher at a preferred Pennsylvania dance studio. Miller had applied for personal bankruptcy in 2010, citing money owed of $400,000.

Nevertheless, in 2017 she was convicted of chapter fraud after federal investigators discovered over $775,000 in hidden financial institution accounts. Miller was launched from jail in early 2018.

Aaron Carter

The late Aaron Carter as soon as filed for private chapter in 2013, claiming to be $2 million in debt. Most of what he owed concerned again taxes from when his dad and mom managed his funds throughout his teen pop star years.

The singer tried to construct again his profession earlier than he was found dead at age 34 in November 2022.

Francis Ford Coppola

Director Francis Ford Coppola has declared chapter three times. His monetary troubles stemmed from the manufacturing of his 1982 musical movie “One From the Coronary heart,” which was a flop. Coppola had funded the film together with his personal cash.

He ultimately paid off his money owed, however Coppola remains to be funding his personal tasks, just like the drama “Megalopolis” for which he spent $100 million.

Toni Braxton

Toni Braxton filed for bankruptcy twice: as soon as in 1998 and once more in 2010, when she claimed money owed between $10 million and $50 million.

In an interview, Braxton stated her her first chapter was as a consequence of a spending dependancy, however that the second occurred when she canceled her self-funded Vegas present after receiving a prognosis of microvascular angina, which causes chest ache.

Burt Reynolds

Burt Reynolds has been a profitable star, however after his marriage to actress Lori Anderson resulted in an costly divorce (mixed with an extravagant life-style) he declared bankruptcy in 1996 with $11.2 million in debt. 

The actor acquired himself out of chapter two years later, however had ongoing financial issues. Reynolds died from cardiac arrest in September 2018, on the age of 82.

50 Cent

Curtis Jackson, higher identified by stage title 50 Cent, rose to fame together with his album “Get Wealthy or Die Tryin’.” He actually acquired wealthy, however in July 2015, the rapper filed for personal bankruptcy for money owed between $10 million and $50 million.

His chapter ended a 12 months later with a payout of $23 million.

Younger Buck

David “Younger Buck” Brown is a rapper who filed for chapter first in 2010, and then again in 2020.

The hip-hop star owed cash to not solely to G-Unit Data, but additionally its co-founder, Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson. Brown has blamed Jackson for his chapter.

Dina Lohan

Dina Lohan, mother to actress Lindsay Lohan, filed for chapter in 2018 to avoid wasting her household residence. She reported being $1.7 million in debt. 

Dina is seen right here in 2022 with Lindsay in New York Metropolis. 

Michael Vick

Former NFL quarterback Michael Vick was convicted for being a part of a dog-fighting ring in 2007 and spent 19 months in prison. In 2008, he additionally filed for chapter with money owed of $17.6 million.

Vick ultimately paid again $17.4 million of that debt, saying “I did not wish to stiff individuals who by no means stiffed me.”

Mike Tyson

Former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson was a high earner throughout his boxing profession. However because of a lavish life-style, he was compelled to file for chapter in 2003 with a debt of around $23 million.

Tyson has since recouped his losses, thanks partially to taking up Hollywood movie roles and a successful cannabis brand, Tyson 2.0.

Cyndi Lauper

Earlier than she was a solo artist, Cyndi Lauper was in a band known as Blue Angels. In 1980, the band’s supervisor, Steve Massarsky, sued Lauper for $80,000. The singer filed for chapter.

Lauper’s hit album “She’s So Uncommon” got here out in 1983, and because of subsequent success, she was in a position to settle the case in 1984.

Gary Busey

In 2012, actor Gary Busey declared bankruptcy with lower than $50,000 in belongings and between $500,000 and $1 million in debt. 

He emerged from chapter later that year. In 2022, Busey was charged with intercourse offenses for alleged misconduct with followers throughout a conference.

Lil’ Kim

Rapper Kimberly “Lil’ Kim” Jones filed for Chapter 11 chapter in 2018 in an try to not lose her New Jersey mansion. She reportedly owed nearly $4 million.

By 2019, because of her look on the VH1 actuality present “Ladies Cruise,” she was within the clear and asked a judge to dismiss her chapter case.

Janice Dickinson

Former supermodel Janice Dickinson filed for chapter in 2013, owing around $1 million to the IRS and to varied plastic surgeons.

Dickinson later obtained a large settlement from Invoice Cosby’s insurance coverage firm when she sued him for defamation. Cosby denied allegations he had raped her in 1982.

Kim Basinger

In 1989, actress Kim Basinger purchased most of the privately owned land in Braselton, Georgia, for $20 million with the intent of turning it right into a vacationer city, however the undertaking largely failed. In 1993, she pulled out of starring in “Boxing Helena” and was efficiently sued by the producers for $8.1 million. 

Basinger filed for chapter the identical 12 months, which she settled in 1995. 

Stephen Baldwin

Kim Basinger was famously married to Alec Baldwin throughout her monetary disaster, however she wasn’t the one member of his household with cash issues. His brother Stephen Baldwin filed for Chapter 11 chapter in 2009, owing about $2.3 million to the IRS, collectors, and mortgage lenders. 

Baldwin later pled guilty to tax evasion in 2013.

David Crosby

Musician David Crosby has had a protracted and eventful life within the public eye. He filed for bankruptcy in 1985, two years after a publicized arrest for drug and weapon possession.

In March 2021, going through financial setbacks amid the pandemic, Crosby bought off his music and publishing rights and paid off his home.

Wayne Newton

Longtime Las Vegas performer Wayne Newton has had a protracted historical past of monetary issues, which started with him filing for Chapter 11 chapter safety in 1992 over $20 million in debt from unhealthy investments.

His later cash points included owing back taxes and fines amassed after abandoning a private jet at a Michigan airport storage facility.

Warren Sapp

When the NFL defensive lineman retired in 2008, the Corridor of Famer made a sequence of unhealthy enterprise choices and ended up $6.7 million in debt. 

Sapp filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in 2012, which meant that his belongings have been liquidated to pay again his lenders. He is seen right here in June 2022 coaching the Washington Commanders.

Meat Loaf

Michael Aday, higher identified by his stage title Meat Loaf, was profitable within the Nineteen Seventies. However in 1983, he had to file for personal bankruptcy after years of cash mismanagement and lawsuits from former managers. To repay his money owed, he bought the rights to all of his music.

The rock singer died in January 2022 at age 74,

Sinbad

Comic Sinbad filed for bankruptcy in 2009 after he was named one of many 10 worst tax debtors within the state of California — owing $2.5 million in private revenue tax. He bought his residence to cowl the prices.

As of 2022, Sinbad was still recovering from an ischemic stroke he had two years earlier.

Tom Petty

The late musician Tom Petty did not declare chapter in 1979 as a result of he was broke — he did it as a legal maneuver after his label, Shelter Data, was bought to the a lot bigger MCA, which refused to alter the phrases of Petty’s meager recording contract regardless of his rising success.

After Petty financed his personal document and declared chapter, MCA agreed to let the singer-songwriter out of the deal, after which re-signed him with a extra favorable contract.

La Toya Jackson

Entertainer La Toya Jackson (older sister of the late Michael Jackson) needed to declare bankruptcy in 1995 after being sued for $650,000 by the Moulin Rouge membership in Paris, which stated Jackson failed to remain for her full six-month contract with the well-known membership.

In 2010, Jackson tried to re-open the chapter, however a judge denied her request. 

Lenny Dykstra

Former middle fielder Lenny Dykstra did not precisely hit a house run after submitting for chapter in July 2009, claiming lower than $50,000 in belongings to his title. Two years later, he was indicted on chapter fraud and embezzlement fees.

He was convicted and served six-and-a-half months behind bars in 2013. 

Dionne Warwick

Singer Dionne Warwick filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in 2013. She had unpaid taxes totaling $10 million. The case wasn’t dismissed till 2019.

A documentary about her life known as “Dionne Warwick: Do not Make Me Over” was anticipated to premiere on CNN in 2023.

Anna Nicole Smith

Mannequin Anna Nicole Smith (born Vickie Hogan) married billionaire J. Howard Marshall in 1994. She was 26 and he was 89, and he died a 12 months later with out leaving Smith in his will. In 1996, she declared bankruptcy.

There have been many contentious courtroom battles over the property amongst Marshall’s youngsters and Smith, going all the way in which as much as the Supreme Court. Smith died from an overdose in 2007.

Drake Bell

Former teen star Drake Bell of “Drake & Josh” fame filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in 2014. Whereas he had greater than $1 million in belongings, he declared $2.17 million in debt on courtroom paperwork.

Bell was sentenced to probation in 2021 for fees involving a minor.

George Clinton

Funk singer George Clinton filed for chapter in 1984 over $2 million he owed his supervisor and recording firm. He misplaced the rights to his music over it in 2001.

He ultimately got the rights back to 4 albums he recorded at Warner Bros., however others nonetheless personal the majority of his catalog together with his two bands, Parliament and Funkadelic.

Mick Fleetwood

Mick Fleetwood of Fleetwood Mac filed for chapter in 1984, owing nearly $3.7 million. He blamed his monetary issues on extreme drug and alcohol dependancy. Fleetwood reportedly sobered up by the ’90s. 

The musician publicly mourned the passing of his bandmate Christine McVie in November 2022.

Joey Lawrence

Actor Joey Lawrence declared chapter in 2017, stating he was $355,000 in debt. His revenue decreased dramatically after his present “Melissa & Joey” resulted in 2015.

The chapter was settled by 2018.

MC Hammer

Stanley Burrell, higher identified by his stage title MC Hammer, was one of the crucial widespread rappers of the early ’90s. By 1996, nevertheless, he filed for bankruptcy. His belongings have been listed at $1 million whereas his money owed totaled $10 million. 

In 2016, he was a spokesperson for Command hooks.

Teri Polo

Actress Teri Polo, identified for her position in “Meet the Mother and father” and “The Fosters,” filed for chapter in 2014. 

She listed her belongings as being less than $50,000, whereas her money owed totaled $809,000.

Gary Coleman

Actor Gary Coleman made tens of millions for his position on “Diff’lease Strokes,” however after years of expensive authorized and medical battles, he filed for bankruptcy in 1999. 

In Might 2010, Coleman died from a brain hemorrhage at 42 after falling down the steps at his residence.

Jose Canseco

Jose Canseco was an MLB star, although he later admitted to utilizing performance-enhancing medicine. By 2012, he was out of cash.

The Chapter 7 chapter submitting listed that Canseco had lower than $21,000 in belongings, with $1.7 million in liabilities. 

Mekhi Phifer

Actor Mekhi Phifer filed for bankruptcy in 2014, stating that he had $1.3 million in debt as a consequence of again taxes, lawyer payments and youngster assist again pay. 

Phifer is thought for his roles in “ER,” 8 Mile” and the “Divergent” movie sequence.

Tionne “T-Boz” Watkins

Tionne “T-Boz” Watkins is the “T” within the R&B group TLC. In 2011, she declared bankruptcy twice: as soon as in February and once more in October, solely a month after the February case had been dismissed.  

Watkins owed almost $769,000, largely from mortgages and medical points.

Randy and Evi Quaid

Actor Randy Quaid and his spouse, Evi, filed for chapter in 2000. They owed around $619,000 in taxes.

However their story does not finish there. In October 2010, the couple fled to Canada, claiming that they feared for his or her lives. They did not return to the U.S. until 2015.

Suge Knight

Former Demise Row Data CEO Marion “Suge” Knight is named one of many main figures of gangsta rap. Due monetary mismanagement and civil litigation towards Knight, he declared bankruptcy in 2006. 

The case went on for 2 years, and Knight ultimately misplaced Demise Row Data and its catalog, his mansion and plenty of of his private objects. He was sentenced to 28 years in prison in 2018 after he fatally hit somebody together with his automobile throughout a confrontation.

Dorothy Hamill

Former skilled determine skater Dorothy Hamill took residence the gold medal on the 1976 U.S. Olympics. Twenty years later, she filed for bankruptcy, saying that she was $1.7 million in debt. 

She faulted her ex-husband, Kenneth Forsythe, for giving her bad financial advice. 

Nadya Suleman

Nadya Suleman lived in a three-bedroom condominium together with her mom and 6 youngsters when she used IVF to get pregnant with octuplets in 2008. Dubbed “Octomom” by the media, she was dwelling on authorities help on the time.

In 2012, she filed for chapter with $1 million in debt from dwelling and education bills. Two years later, she pleaded no contest to welfare fraud fees after failing to report funds from her media appearances.

Kelly Rutherford

“Gossip Lady” actress Kelly Rutherford confronted cash issues after an advanced youngster custody case. She wished to lift her youngsters within the U.S., whereas her German ex-husband, entrepreneur Daniel Giersch, wished to lift them in France and Monaco after his American visa was revoked.

The costly custody battle put Rutherford $2 million in debt, and he or she filed for bankruptcy in June 2013. Giersch was ultimately awarded full custody.

Ronald Isley

Ronald Isley, founding member of the Isley Brothers singing group, declared chapter twice: once in 1984 and again in 1997. After these bankruptcies have been filed, nevertheless, Isley didn’t pay taxes.

In 2008, an appellate courtroom upheld a ruling that sentenced Isley to 3 years in jail for tax evasion.

Gary Dourdan

Gary Dourdan of “CSI” fame has filed for bankruptcy twice, first in 2011 and once more in 2015. Within the first chapter, he listed $1.73 million in money owed and $1.8 million in belongings. 

For the second chapter, he claimed he was all the way down to $904 in his checking account and owed greater than $14,000.

Antoine Walker

Antoine Walker amassed $108 million in his 13-year-career as a Boston Celtics participant. However in 2010, he needed to declare bankruptcy with $4.3 million in belongings and $12.7 million in liabilities.

Two years later, Walker was debt-free. Immediately, he is an advocate for financial literacy.

Perez Hilton

Mario Lavandeira Jr., often called Perez Hilton professionally, wrote in his e-book “TMI: My Life in Scandal” that he declared chapter in 2005 after racking up bank card debt as a scholar at NYU. 

Shortly afterward, Lavandeira reinvented himself because the acerbic celeb blogger. In 2019, he uploaded an explainer video about saving cash to keep away from chapter.