CHICAGO — Ken Griffin — Chicago's richest man with an estimated worth of $7 billion — says his highly public divorce that has given a glimpse into the lavish lifestyles of the very rich, is "just painful" but not as tough as fighting through an earlier financial crisis.
"Sixteen weeks at the end of 2008 make this look like a walk in the park," Griffin tells the Wall Street Journal.
His divorce from Anne Dias has garnered headlines, with her accusing him of forcing her to sign a pre-nuptial agreement that would unfairly limit her alimony. Court filings have catalogued such riches as a pair of private jets, an army of household help including four nannies for their three children and $1 million-a-month household expenses.
Dias, a former hedge fund manager, is asking for $1 million per month in child support while he accuses her of extravagances such as $450,000 vacations to St. Barts and spending $6,800 a month on groceries. Dias says Griffin, founder of Citadel LLC, makes about $70 million per month after taxes and created the lifestyle the family has come to expect.
But Griffin, 46, tells the Journal, "I have read what I think is a considerable amount of fiction." He added that his estranged wife's lawyers' legal strategy has been to try to humiliate him.
"It's another chapter in my life story," Griffin said of the divorce. "It's a chapter I wish I could edit out."
Dias' attorney tells the Journal: "Anne is pleased that Ken professes to share her desire to settle this case but regrets his decision to speak publicly about these intensely private matters." In the past she has accused him of "using his enormous resources in an attempt to destroy her."
Griffin says under the pre-nuptial agreement, Dias has already received $40 million, the Tribune reported. The two separated in 2012.
Griffin reportedly owns two condos in the Waldorf Astoria Chicago, paying $30 million last year for the Gold Coast homes.
For more neighborhood news, listen to DNAinfo Radio here:
