Friday, 30 May 2008

Bill Murray's wife sues for divorce, restraining order

Grounds for divorce cited as drug addiction, physical abuse, adultery and abandonment

Oscar-nominated Bill Murray should take solace from the title of his 1984 movie Nothing Lasts Forever: His wife is suing him for divorce in South Carolina after over 10 years of marriage.

Jennifer Butler Murray, 42, is seeking to dissolve her union with Murray, 57, on the grounds of drug addiction, physical abuse, adultery and abandonment, according to a May 12 family-court filing in Charleston County. Jennifer Murray is also requested a restraining order against her husband.

According to Jennifer Murray, the actor's alcohol, marijuana and sex addictions were among the reasons she felt forced to move to a new home in 2006 with their four young children. The filing adds that Bill Murray once "hit his wife in the face and then told her she was 'lucky he didn't kill her,'" according to a report in the Charleston Post and Courier.

"We cannot comment on the facts of the case," the actor's lawyer, John McDougall, said Thursday. "I can say that Bill Murray is deeply saddened by the break-up of his marriage to Jennifer. They remain loving parents, committed to the best interest of their children. And Mr. Murray asks the public respect his family's privacy at this difficult time."

The Murrays signed a prenuptial agreement in which Bill would pay his wife $7 million in a divorce, but she has asked the court to determine whether the agreement is valid.

By Michael Y. Park