Robert De Niro fell for his second wife and was married a decade later. De Niro filed to divorce his spouse in an attempt to reconcile, but the relationship ended. Instead, the bitter divorce battle ended in their deaths.
Robert De Niro, a well-known actor, first met Grace Hightower at a London nightclub in 1987. But, the sparks did not fly until ten year later.
De Niro married his first wife Diahnne Abbott in 1976, when they crossed paths. They had two children together, Drena, a daughter, and Raphael. Abbott and De Niro split in 1988.
Robert de Niro, actor, and Grace Hightower, actress photographed in 1999. Source: Getty Images| Source: Getty Images
After having dated several women, De Niro began to pursue Hightower and their relationship blossomed. In June 1997, the couple got married at their Marbletown home.
Only eleven guestsThe intimate ceremony saw the couple exchange their wedding vows with Harvey Keitel and Joe Pesci. The news that the couple was expecting their first child together broke in the autumn. Their son Elliot was conceived in March 1998.
Robert De Niro with Grace Hightower, wife “Shark Tale”New York Premiere – Arrivals at The Delacorte Theatre, Central Park in New York, New York | Source: Getty Images
In March 2016, De Niro revealedHe discovered that his son was autistic. He stated that it was crucial to discuss such social issues in a media statement.
“Grace and I have a child with autism, and we believe it is critical that all of the issues surrounding the causes of autism should be openly discussed and examined.”
Robert De Niro, Grace Hightower at the 3rd Annual Tribeca Film Festival. “Brotherhood”Tribeca Performing Arts Center in New York City will host the premiere| Source: Getty Images
The Academy Award winner and two-time Academy Award nominee filed for divorce in August 1999, one year after their son was born. His friend became his new partner. DisclosureHe had neglected his marriage.
“Bobby was just not working hard enough at his marriage to Grace.”
DE NIRO & AND HIGHTOWER’S FIGHT FOR THEIR SON HAD AN UNEXPECTED END
Grace Hightower, Robert De Niro, and Grace Hightower arrive at the premiere “Hide And Seek”New York City’s Beekman Theatre, 26 January 2005 | Source: Getty Images
They lived their lives peacefully and separately. They shared the responsibility of raising their son together and enjoyed time with him as a family. But, this only lasted for one year.
Trouble ensued after the pair joined Marc Anthony’s then-wife Dayanara Tores and their son, Marc Anthony, on a June 2001 cruise with Elliot. Hightower discovered her husband and was married to another woman when she stepped belowdecks.
An insider later clarified that the woman, who was not identified, was only helping De Niro to close the bathroom door. Hightower believed there was more to the story.
Robert De Niro arrives with Grace Hightower at the press conference about his father, Robert De Niro Senior Painting Exhibition at The “La piscine” Source: Getty Images| Source: Getty Images
She tried to humiliate him with GoBack up to announce what she saw, which according to R Couri Hay (her spokesman), was De Niro. “frozen look on his face”The woman who allegedly pulled her leg “blouse closed.”
De Niro followed Hightower, and they started to get physical. De Niro later left the yacht together with their son.
In September 2001, the couple, who had been married for a while, went head-tohead before the New York State supreme Court to fight custody over their child. This included allegations of violence and abuse via People.
Robert De Niro, producer, and Elliot, his son, are pictured at Central Park’s Sliding Pond, New York City. Source: Getty Images| Source: Getty Images
De Niro also claimed that the flight attendant was physically harmed. Hightower claimed that the New Yorker had abused drugs and alcohol. She suggested that it might not be a good idea for him to remain with their son. After he had filed, she demanded that he not be allowed to have unsupervised visits with Elliot.
A twist of fate led to the couple deciding to stop the divorce. Hightower and Golden Globe Award winner Hightower renewed their vows in November 2004.
Their ceremony took place at De Niro’s Ulster County Farm with many celebrities, including Meryl Steep and Ben Stiller.
Source: Getty Images| Source: Getty Images
De Niro asked for two judges to officiate the star studded ceremony. According to “The Godfather”Star, he wanted it to You can be sureThat “they can make sure this one sticks.”
The wedding took place in front of a swimming pool. The bride and groom lit candles, exchanged their rings and set off to celebrate. Later, the guests moved to a tent and enjoyed champagne toasts and De Niro’s delicious food. Nobu restaurant.
Robert De Niro, Helen Grace, Chilina and Chilina Kennedy are the actors “Carole King”Grace Hightower De Niro and Grace Hightower De Niro backstage at Carole King’s musical “Beautiful” Source: Getty Images| Source: Getty Images
The couple welcomed Helen via surrogate, their second child, and their only daughter in 2011, which was even more exciting. De Niro GushedInterview with CBS News about his 2013 baby girl:
“She’s so adorable. You just look at her and it’s all there. Nothing else matters.”
DE NIRO STRUGGLED TO SUPPORT GRACE AFTER THEY MET AGAIN
Grace Hightower and Robert De Niro attend the event “Once Upon A Time”Premiere during the 65th Annual Cannes Film Festival, Palais des Festivals, May 18th 2012, Cannes, France. Source: Getty images| Source: Getty Images
However, things turned bad years later when he filed to divorce the second time in November 2018 after more than 20 years of marriage.
De Niro issued a statement ConfirmHe and Hightower divorced and shared the news, even though they share the same name “two beautiful”Children together, but on different paths in life.
“We are entering a period of transition in our relationship, which is a difficult but constructive process. I honor Grace as a wonderful mother and ask for privacy and respect from all as we proceed to develop our roles as partners in parenting.”
Robert De Niro, Socialite Grace Hightower, and Robert De Niro attended the 13th Annual Tribeca Film Festival Chanel Night at Balthazar, April 23, 2018, in New York City. Source : Getty Images| Source: Getty Images
Page Six reported on January 6, 2019 that the estranged couple was secretly continuing a legal custody battle for their seven-year old daughter.
They were trying to protect their brood by going back and forth in court. OptA coveted “Anonymous vs. Anonymous”Caption on the case. This option should be according to the 2006 appeals court ruling. Use “sparingly”To protect the “health and wellbeing”for children.
The “GoodFellas”Star was able to help the children the most because he is a wonderful father.
Grace Hightower and Robert De Niro attend the event “Rest In Power: The Trayvon Martin Story” Source: Getty Images| Source: Getty Images
The couple also fought in court over finances. Hightower started to spend more of De Niro’s money during their legal battles.
Caroline Krauss (de Niro’s attorney) revealed that De Niro’s spending habits were outof control. She claims De Niro has a wealth of $500 million.
Hightower spent reportedly $90,000 in 2019 alone. $1.67millionShe spent most of her money to purchase a $1.2million diamond from a high-end New York jeweler.
Grace Hightower attends world premiere “Little Fockers” Source: Getty Images| Source: Getty Images
De Niro became financially crippled as a result of her misusing of money. ForciblyTo work until his “death”She is a lavish woman and it was hard for him to keep up with his lifestyle. He is almost 80 years of age.
Per Page Six, Krause Hightower has a high taste for her. “thirst for Stella McCartney”Diamond rings worth $1 million and more Her estranged husband, however, reportedly owes millions of dollars in taxes. A 2015 report shows that De Niro owes $6.4 million.
He also doesn’t want his family to leave their Manhattan marital home. According to the prenup, the agreement calls for the couple’s $20 million apartment to be sold so that the profits can be split and allow Hightower to buy a more affordable home for Hightower as well as the children.
Robert De Niro & Grace Hightower arrive at the formal Artist’s Dinner honoring recipients of the 2011 Kennedy Center Honors, U.S. Department of State, on December 3, 2011, in Washington, DC.| Source: Getty Images
Meanwhile, Krause arguedA virtual divorce hearing was held to determine that Hightower expected De Niro will continue to work until his death. However, if his health deteriorates and he passes away, then her spending spree would cease.
“He could get sick tomorrow, and the party’s over.”
DE NIRO PREVENTED HIGHTOWER RECEIVING HIS WALTH
Grace Hightower, philanthropist, is seen walking in Soho on September 28, 2015. Source: Getty Images| Source: Getty Images
De Niro saved Hightower’s half-million dollars. An appeals court ruled on October 2021 that Hightower was entitled to $250 million.
In 2004, the actress argued that she was entitled 50% of the prenuptial agreement. “Taxi Driver”Star’s wealth when they were still married. Hightower stated that De Niro’s assets should be divided equally.
Robert De Niro, Grace Hightower and Grace Hightower at 5th Annual Tribeca Film Festival – Vanity Fair Party – New York State Supreme Court in New York City. Source: Getty Images| Source: Getty Images
But, she lost the fight as the Appellate division ruled against her. That the Hollywood veteran is owed nothing to her:
“The husband’s income earned during the marriage and other business assets acquired during that time are his separate property.”
Matthew Cooper, a Manhattan Supreme Court Judge, issued a similar ruling in February 2021. Cooper wrote that De Niro had made money from different sources during their marriage, and that it was part of his separate earnings.
Hightower spent $215,000 a month on reports. Credit cards$160,000 in cash. Krauss claimed that De Niro was unable to afford these spending habits. Her claim that De Niro ran out of money was true “marital assets”They both agreed to it, but the court rejected her argument.
De Niro still finds time to spend quality time with his daughter, despite his rollercoaster ride along Hightower. In July 2022, De Niro and his daughter were spotted on New York City’s Upper East Side. According to Daily Mail, it’s a regular occurrenceFor them to be together in public.
Meanwhile, “The Irishman”Star has been spotted with another woman. According to reports, he has had a relationship with another woman. Rumored girlfriendHe was spotted with Tiffany Chen several times in public. The said couple was photographed on a Formentera beach trip in July 2022.
They were photographed together barefoot on a boat. De Niro and the instructor in martial arts were photographed barefoot and on a boat. However, they have yet to confirm or deny their romantic relationship.