Kevin Costner’s Controversial Journey: From Courtroom Clashes to ‘Yellowstone’ Fallout
Kevin Costner’s Most Talked-About Controversies: From Hollywood Misfires to ‘Yellowstone’ Fallout
Kevin Costner has enjoyed a long and successful career in Hollywood — but it hasn’t been without its share of controversy. From box office flops and legal battles to personal drama and a headline-grabbing TV exit, here’s a look at some of the biggest moments that have kept the Yellowstone star in the spotlight.
Blockbuster Blunders
In 1995, Costner produced and starred in Waterworld, a troubled production plagued by on-set injuries, a hurricane, and a ballooning budget that reached a then-record $175 million. Despite high expectations, the film received mixed reviews and underperformed at the box office. Two years later, his post-apocalyptic epic The Postman was both a critical and commercial failure.
Paternity Surprise and Divorce Settlement
After 16 years of marriage, Costner and his first wife, Cindy Silva, divorced in 1994, reportedly due to infidelity. She is said to have received an $80 million settlement. In 1996, Costner fathered a son, Liam, following a brief relationship with Bridget Rooney, heiress to the Pittsburgh Steelers fortune.
Oil Spill Lawsuit Drama
Following the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill, actor Stephen Baldwin filed a lawsuit against Costner, alleging he was misled about a business deal involving Ocean Therapy Solutions, a company co-founded by Costner that developed oil-cleaning technology. Baldwin claimed he lost millions in the fallout, but in 2012, a jury ruled in Costner’s favor.
Contentious Second Divorce
Costner’s second marriage, to Christine Baumgartner, ended in 2024 after an intense legal dispute. The couple, who share three children, separated in 2023, and Christine challenged the terms of their prenuptial agreement. A judge ultimately upheld the prenup and reduced her spousal support, finalizing their divorce after 18 years together.
High-Profile Yellowstone Departure
In 2024, Costner confirmed his departure from Yellowstone, where he starred as patriarch John Dutton. The announcement followed months of rumors about behind-the-scenes tension between Costner and series creator Taylor Sheridan, reportedly due to scheduling conflicts and creative differences, just as the hit show approached its final season.
