Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban’s Divorce: Inside the Alleged “Cocaine Clause” That Could Cost Millions
⚠️ Editor’s Note: This article contains discussion of substance abuse and addiction. Reader discretion is advised.
After nearly two decades of marriage, Hollywood actress Nicole Kidman and country music icon Keith Urban are officially parting ways. News of their divorce has sent shockwaves across both the entertainment and music industries. But what has truly captured public attention is the resurfacing of a surprising detail from their prenuptial agreement — the so-called “cocaine clause.”
According to reports, this clause could leave Urban walking away with a multi-million dollar payout, depending on how the divorce settlement is finalized.
A Love Story That Spanned Nearly Two Decades
Nicole Kidman, now 58, and Keith Urban, 57, first met in 2005 at a Los Angeles event honoring Australians. Their connection was immediate, and within a year, they were married in a star-studded ceremony in Sydney, Australia.
Over the years, the couple became one of Hollywood’s most admired pairings, known for balancing their demanding careers with family life. They share two daughters, Sunday Rose (17) and Faith Margaret (14), and often spoke publicly about their devotion to one another.
Yet, behind the red-carpet glamour, their marriage was not without struggles. Urban’s long battle with addiction to alcohol and drugs was well documented, and Kidman’s steadfast support was frequently praised as central to his recovery.
Now, with their marriage officially over, one of the most talked-about aspects of their split is the alleged prenup clause tied directly to Urban’s sobriety.
What Is the “Cocaine Clause”?
As reported by Radar Online and echoed in several media outlets, Kidman and Urban’s prenuptial agreement reportedly included a unique stipulation:
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If Urban remained sober from drugs and alcohol during their marriage, then in the event of divorce, he would receive $600,000 for every year of their union.
Given that the couple was married for 19 years (2006–2025), the total payout could amount to approximately $11.4 million.
While the precise details of the prenup remain private, the alleged existence of such a clause highlights the seriousness of Urban’s past struggles — and Kidman’s determination to safeguard their marriage against the destructive force of addiction.
Keith Urban’s Addiction Struggles: From Crisis to Recovery
Urban has always been candid about his troubled history with substance abuse. His challenges began long before he met Kidman but nearly derailed their relationship in its earliest days.
Just four months into their marriage in 2006, Kidman reportedly staged an intervention, encouraging him to enter rehab. Urban later confirmed this in a 2010 interview with Oprah Winfrey, describing the moment as both life-saving and humbling:
“She made a decision to turn around and initiate ultimately this intervention. It was done in such a way that the love in that room at that moment was just right. I was like, ‘Put the cuffs on, let’s go.’”
The country star spent three months in rehab and has credited that turning point as the start of his long-term sobriety.
Speaking at the AFI Life Achievement Award Gala in 2024, he reflected on how addiction nearly destroyed his marriage:
“My addictions… that I’d done really nothing about, blew our marriage to smithereens. Four months into a marriage, I’m in rehab for three months. I had no idea what was going to happen to us. And if you want to see what love in action really looks like, give that a whirl.”
By his own account, Urban has now been sober for nearly 19 years, crediting Kidman for standing by him during his darkest battles.
Why the Clause Exists
The inclusion of the alleged “cocaine clause” in their prenup speaks volumes about the early vulnerabilities in their marriage. While some might view it as transactional, others see it as a practical safeguard Kidman wanted in place, ensuring accountability and protecting herself and her children should Urban relapse.
Legal experts note that such clauses, while unusual, are not unprecedented in high-profile marriages where addiction or infidelity has played a role in the past. They are designed to encourage accountability, protect family stability, and sometimes provide a financial disincentive for destructive behavior.
In this case, Urban’s nearly two decades of sobriety not only preserved his marriage for many years but could now entitle him to a significant financial windfall.
Divorce Filing: The Official Grounds
According to court filings, Kidman cited “irreconcilable differences” as the reason for divorce, also noting “marital difficulties.” The documents further reveal that both parties had already signed a marriage dissolution agreement, including custody arrangements and a parenting plan.
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Kidman has requested to be the primary residential parent of their daughters.
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Urban will reportedly have custody for 59 days per year, while Kidman will have them for 306 days.
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Both parties waived spousal support, but Urban is said to have already prepaid child support obligations as outlined in their agreement.
The documents also stipulate that both parents will make joint decisions regarding the children’s education, health care, and other major life matters.
Public and Media Reaction
As expected, news of the divorce — coupled with reports of the alleged “cocaine clause” — has triggered a wave of media scrutiny and fan speculation.
Social media erupted with mixed emotions. Some fans expressed sympathy for Kidman, praising her devotion through Urban’s recovery years. Others defended Urban, applauding his nearly two decades of sobriety and questioning whether the prenup was ever necessary.
One fan wrote: “Nicole saved him in the early days, and this is how it ends? Heartbreaking.” Another added: “He’s been sober 19 years. If the clause is real, he earned every penny.”
Regardless of opinion, one fact is clear: the clause, real or alleged, has become a defining detail in one of Hollywood’s most high-profile divorces of the year.
A Painful New Chapter
For Kidman, the divorce marks the end of a chapter defined by resilience, loyalty, and emotional investment. For Urban, it is both a professional and personal turning point — one complicated by the shadows of his past and the reality of life after nearly two decades with his wife.
Despite the public drama, both stars have emphasized their commitment to protecting their daughters during this transition. Court documents specifically include guidelines for respectful co-parenting, stating that neither parent should speak negatively about the other and must encourage the children to maintain healthy relationships with both families.
Looking Ahead
As the dust settles, questions remain:
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Will Kidman and Urban address the alleged “cocaine clause” publicly?
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How will this financial arrangement impact their divorce settlement?
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And most importantly, how will they navigate their roles as co-parents under such intense public scrutiny?
One thing is certain — the end of Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban’s marriage is not just the closing of a Hollywood love story, but also a case study in how private struggles, legal safeguards, and public narratives collide when celebrities divorce.
Final Thoughts
For nearly two decades, Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban were held up as a model couple, balancing fame with family and overcoming immense personal struggles. Yet their story reminds us that even the strongest partnerships can unravel.
The alleged “cocaine clause” in their prenup, once a safeguard against Urban’s destructive past, now stands as a symbol of how fragile even the most glamorous unions can be. Whether Urban ultimately receives millions under its terms or not, its mere existence underscores the challenges the couple faced from the very beginning.
As Kidman and Urban step into their next chapters — separately — fans and media alike are left reflecting on the highs, lows, and enduring lessons of a marriage that was anything but ordinary.
Lila Hart is a dedicated Digital Archivist and Research Specialist with a keen eye for preserving and curating meaningful content. At TheArchivists, she specializes in organizing and managing digital archives, ensuring that valuable stories and historical moments are accessible for generations to come.
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