Kevin Costner’s ex girlfriend collapsed in court after the actor accused her of “relentless striving” prior to the proceedings
Exclusive: Santa Barbara, California – Kevin Costner’s legal team has accused his estranged wife of “relentless jihad” against the actor’s character as she petitions for increased monthly child support payments.
Christine Baumgartner formally asked a judge for a new monthly child custody order Thursday as part of her ongoing bid for divorce from the “Yellowstone” actor. Meanwhile, Costner’s lawyer criticized Baumgartner for creating “antagonism” between the two parties prior to the “totally unnecessary” court proceedings.
“Kristen’s continued jihad against Kevin’s character adds a level of hostility to this wholly unnecessary action, intended to distract from the intellectual exercise in progress,” Costner’s legal team wrote in new documents obtained by Fox News Digital.
Kevin Costner accuses ex-Christine Baumgarter of ‘playing’ in divorce, seeks $14,000 attorney fee
Kevin Costner appeared in person on the first day of his testimony regarding the amount he pays his estranged wife for child support. (background network)
Christine Baumgartner will arrive in court Thursday to take action over the amount of Kevin Costner’s child support payment. (background network)
In his opening remarks Thursday, Baumgartner’s attorney, John Riedel, noted that the purse designer is asking for $161,592 a month in child support and that Costner is a major movie star who can afford it. Riddle estimated that even if Costner started paying the increased amount, the “Yellowstone” star would still be making roughly $731,000 a month after taxes. Her legal team insisted that California law must be respected.
While on the witness stand, Baumgartner began to cry when her attorney said she would not be able to find a rental home of a comparable value to the former couple’s vacation homes — including the Aspen home, which has sentimental value to Baumgartner.
Kevin Costner’s legal team has accused Christine Baumgartner of attacking his character ahead of a hearing on the couple’s child support order. (Getty Images)
Costner’s legal team also accused Baumgartner of receiving $20,000 from a “friend” in new court documents. However, Baumgartner revealed that she received $20,000 from Joshua Connor in court on Thursday.
Baumgartner said on the platform that Connor has been an old friend of “7 or 8 years.” When Riddle asked, “Is he your friend?” “No,” Baumgartner replied.
She recalled traveling to Hawaii in March with Connor, his daughter, and a group of friends. Costner didn’t go because he “wanted to give a speech at the hunting club.” The Costner family paid for the vacation home where the families stayed.
Kevin Costner calls for avoiding divorce discussions and asks for financial penalties
In July, Baumgartner returned to Hawaii with a group of friends and their children, including Connor and his daughter, who are “best friends” with Grace Costner, 13. Connor “paid for the house,” Baumgartner said.
When asked about allegations that Connor “gave Kristen money,” she said, “I can’t remember if it was before or after[the March or July trips to Hawaii.]” and continued, “He gave me $20,000.”
“Out of the $20,000, I gave my mother $10,000,” the wallet designer said. Then she got emotional on stage. “She was worried about her home,” Baumgartner noted.
Kevin Costner tells court he never had an affair, as his ex-wife asked for more child support
Christine Baumgartner filed for divorce from Kevin Costner last May after 18 years of marriage. (Fraser Harrison)
Baumgartner, 49, was awarded $129,755 in monthly support for her three children during a hearing in July after initially requesting $248,000 per month. Costner, 68, offered $51,000.
It requested $175,057 in a new support order, backdated to July 1, according to documents obtained by Fox News Digital.
Christine filed for divorce From the star of “Fields of Dreams” last May, after 18 years of marriage, due to “irreconcilable differences.”
Kristin Baumgartner pointed to April 11 as the date of their breakup. (Lester Cohen)
In her application for updated child support, her attorneys said Costner was “a man of extraordinary wealth.”
“Unlike many family law litigants, Kevin can pay child direction support, as well as make an additional contribution to Christine’s fees, without it making any meaningful difference to his life,” the documents say.
Costner’s legal team responded days later and accused Baumgartner of “manipulation.” They also requested a court order that Baumgartner pay $14,237.50 in his attorney’s fees for having to file a motion to force her to make her new request.
“Plaintiff Christine Costner was given every opportunity and approximately three months to respond to the direct discovery requests involved. She maintains her refusal to do so,” the documents read.
Kevin Costner was originally ordered to pay Christine Baumgartner $129,755 per month in child support during a hearing in July. She initially asked for $248,000. The portfolio designer is now asking $161,592 per month. (Rebecca Sapp)
“The court should impose financial penalties on the party that acted, like Christine, without material justification.” Silly rhetoric, such as calling this motion to force a “press release masquerading as a plea,” reinforces the style of play.”
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Costner’s legal team argued that the financial penalties “will act as a deterrent to any future misdiscovery on Christine’s part.”
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