Bill Murray’s Wife Files Divorce Papers

By: Shannon Gossage

Jennifer Butler Murray, 42, filed for divorce from actor Bill Murray on May 12 in South Carolina. She is seeking the divorce on the grounds of his addictions to marijuana, alcohol, and sex. She also alleges physical abuse, adultery, and frequent abandonment saying that he allegedly "travels overseas where he engages in public and private altercations and sexual liaisons." She has requested a restraining order against her husband and said that last November Murray hit her in the face and told her she was "lucky he didn’t kill her." The couple has been married for almost 11 years and has four sons together – Caleb, Jackson, Cooper, and Lincoln.

John McDougall, an attorney for the actor, said Thursday, "We cannot comment on the facts of the case. 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 couple reportedly signed a pre-nuptial agreement before their marriage in 1997. Per the agreement both parties would waive the right to alimony if they split, but Murray would pay $7 million to his ex.

Murray, 57, is best known for starring in such hit movies as Caddyshack, Charlie’s Angels, Lost in Translation, Stripes, Groundhog Day, and Ghostbusters. He also co-owns the Charleston RiverDogs minor league baseball team. This is his second marriage. He was previously married to Margaret "Mickey" Kelly from 1981 to 1994 and the couple has two sons Homer and Luke.