UK Court Overturns Prenuptial Agreement in Landmark Divorce Case Amidst Allegations of Hidden Assets
A recent court case in the United Kingdom has sparked widespread discussion on social media platforms, particularly in China. The story revolves around Simon Entwistle, a British man who divorced his wealthy ex-wife, Jayne Helliwell, and initially received a small portion of her assets. Claiming "gender discrimination," Entwistle appealed the financial settlement and ultimately won due to Helliwell's concealment of assets.
4 August 2025
The couple married in a lavish wedding in Paris in August 2019, with Entwistle reportedly enjoying a wealthy lifestyle, including living in a villa in Dubai gifted by Helliwell's father. However, their marriage ended in divorce in August 2022, with Helliwell having her lawyers notify Entwistle of his eviction from their home just 48 hours in advance.
Initially, Entwistle received £400,000 (approximately £325,000 after deductions) from Helliwell's £61.5 million fortune, which amounts to only 0.5% of her assets. This initial settlement was based on a prenuptial agreement that stipulated each party would retain their own assets upon separation. However, Entwistle appealed the decision, arguing that the prenuptial agreement should be invalidated because Helliwell had not disclosed nearly £48 million (73% of her assets).
The London Court of Appeal ruled in Entwistle's favor, stating that Helliwell's concealment of assets constituted fraud, rendering the prenuptial agreement invalid. As a result, the case has been sent back to the divorce court for a recalculation of the property division, taking into account the previously undisclosed assets.
The case has garnered significant attention, with discussions on social media platforms like Weibo focusing on the concepts of prenuptial agreements, asset disclosure, and potential "gender bias" in divorce settlements. Many users have expressed skepticism and cynicism towards Entwistle's motives, labeling him a "gold digger" or "marriage-for-money" type. Others have highlighted the importance of financial transparency, prenuptial agreements, and choosing partners wisely.
The story has also led to discussions about the role of prenuptial agreements and financial secrecy in high-stakes divorces. The court's decision to overturn the prenuptial agreement due to hidden assets sets a precedent and emphasizes the importance of transparency in financial disclosures during divorce proceedings.
The public reaction to the story reveals a mixed bag of opinions, with a strong undercurrent of skepticism and humor. While some users have expressed amusement at the dramatic nature of the divorce, others have criticized Entwistle's motivations and emphasized the wife's deceptive actions as the key factor in the ruling. The prevailing sentiment appears to be a mix of cautionary advice regarding wealth and relationships, often tinged with gender-specific observations.
Ultimately, the case serves as a reminder of the importance of financial transparency and the need for caution in relationships, particularly when significant wealth is involved. As one user noted, "有钱人财产公证还是有必要的会少很多麻烦事" (it's still necessary for wealthy people to notarize their assets to avoid a lot of trouble).
