Lawyer Denies Mills-McCartney Settlement

Heather Mills' Attorney Says No Offer Made Or Accepted, Contrary To Report In U.K. Tabloid

(CBS)  The attorney representing Heather Mills McCartney in her divorce proceedings with former Beatle Sir Paul McCartney has flatly denied a report that the couple had reached an agreement worth more than $63 million.

Millions of Britons woke up Sunday to a headline in London's News of the World tabloid declaring that the McCartneys had agreed to a divorce settlement which will keep some details from ever being made public.

A statement from Mishcon de Reya Solicitors on behalf of Mills read: "With regard to the article in yesterday's News of the World, we would like to state that there has been no offer made whatsoever at any time to our client and therefore no settlement has been agreed."

The former Beatle has said from the beginning that privacy was among his greatest wishes, and he would have had some of that, according to the paper, which said Heather will walk off with a cash and property settlement worth £32,000,000.

That's $63,176,960 – about three percent of the pop star's fortune, reportedly estimated to total about $1.6 billion.

Mills presently has at least one lawsuit pending against The News of the World — a widely read tabloid which has a reputation for getting scoops, but not always getting the story right.

McCartney's camp, according to The News of the World, said that the amount the anti-landmines activist and former model will receive is more than the total amount he earned during their four-year marriage.

2The newspaper – owned by Rupert Murdoch's News Corporation, the same parent corporation as the New York Post, and known for its celebrity gossip — has made its loyalties clear. In coverage of allegations dragging the couple through the muck since their split, the paper dubbed Mills "Mucca" — a takeoff on "Macca," the nickname McCartney has long used for himself.

McCartney has many times appealed to the public and the media to help him in his goal to keep the divorce as dignified as possible – a hope that has for the most part been unrealized.

3"There are certain things in life that are personal, and I think a relationship with a partner is intensely personal, and I prefer to keep it that way," McCartney told the BBC in an interview last November. "When you are going through difficulties, I think the thing to do for the sake of all the people concerned is to keep a certain dignity and remember that it is a private affair."

There was no comment on the report of the settlement on McCartney's website — which has remained silent on the subject since October, when his lawyer posted a statement saying McCartney would defend himself "vigorously" against allegations that he was violent with Mills but was making no public comment for the sake of his family.

The divorce lawyers in the long and acrimonious negotiation are heavy-hitters in their own right.

Sir Paul has been represented by another favorite on her Majesty's list: Fiona Shackleton, who handled Prince Charles' divorce from Princess Diana and is the solicitor to call today when Princes William and Harry need some top drawer legal advice.

Heather's advocate is Anthony Julius, who has been active in fighting anti-Semitism and is equally well-known for having represented Diana in the 1996 royal breakup. He was one of the founders of the Diana, Princess of Wales, Memorial Fund and still serves as one of its leaders.

Monday's statement of denial was released to media through a public relations company on behalf of the Michcon office.

Mills, who was married once before, has been admired for her resilience in overcoming a difficult childhood and reacting to losing a leg by becoming a campaigner for amputees and against landmines.

Mills met McCartney on the charity circuit, where he has been active on behalf of vegetarian and animal rights issues — causes he became interested in as result of the beliefs of his wife, Linda, who died in 1998.

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Photos: McCartney, Through The Years

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Mills and McCartney said their vows in a storybook wedding at an Irish castle in 2002, a few days before McCartney's 60th birthday.

[akarsno]

it is so sad that she is scuh a gold digger, when she could live life decently and be respected by society as not as a gold digger. She even manipulated it to having a child to claim more child support. What kind of human being is she.
What happened to the person she trulyis or has fame got to her too that she has forgotten where she came from and what made her who she is today.
She really is a sad case ... even if she has the money she wanted people will always remember her as a bad person not someone who did good in anything, at least Diana had more class than Mills. Gone case women beyond hope!

[cmp271]

I agree with nyckate up to a point. Mucca has always been despised by allot of Paul's fans. Those of us who saw right through her shook our heads with wonder. She was on Jay Leno, and was so sleazy it was embarrassing to think he had her on the show. I hope he disinfected the set.
Yoko Ono will never be acceptable. They are both despicable.

[cmp271]

This has been going on a long time now. I suggest you all look at The Sun newspapers website for more interesting stories. This tramp has attempted to ruin Pauls reputation-it won't happen! She has shown the world what she is about. Paul needs to get the child away from her as well. I forgive Paul for being lonely and doing the wrong thing-marrying her. He has to forgive himself for this mistake. Pay the wench and get rid of her. Then his children can sue her for the defamation of their Mother. Has she even thought they would do this-I would!!! Linda and Paul were a match made for life, they were inseparable, and both of an age they understood each other. It also proves never marry someone that much younger than you especially if she doesn't even know your music-all of it!! Maybe now he will call me first.

[lil_d3vil]

Sir Paul should have checked out her background before tey wed, as he would have seen all the nude photos and also learned she worked as a call girl. If you have much to loose ALWAYS get a prenup. oh, Heathers nudes.. LOL too funny

[citygirl0110]

Just goes to show the importance of having
a pre-nup in place before marrying. Heather played her cards right, laughing all the way to the bank. Sir Paul is well rid of her.

[linfinster]

Yes, $63 mil is a small price, for him, to have her go away. She doesn't deserve it, but if he really wanted to be out of the news then he would have accepted it.

[kpbkpb]

Maybe Kaye West wrote this part of the song, Gold Digger, for her...
"She take my money when I'm in need
Yea she's a triffling friend indeed
Oh she's a gold digger way over town
That dig's on me"
Does she deserve 3%-no! She may get it, but putting him, his children, Linda's memory through the mud, staff, & friends through pure h-ll. She's a nutcase, having an affair with her trainer & ex (Paul found out & didn't want to ruin your rep & quietly asked for the divorce--hope he brings his proof in). Yes-must be nice to look forward to all that money and noing you have a child you can count on! One can't help but feel sorry for that poor child.

[tajomari]

I cannot believe that this tramp wants more than 63 million dollars. She wants 45+ years of earnings for 4 years.

[grumpas]

I don't see where she is worth $63 million (she isn't even that attractive)! I don't care if it is 3% of his net worth! Most of the money was made before she ever came along. So where do you figure she is entitled to that kind of money????? She didn't help make any of it! That sounds like highway robbery to me! So, you are going to be hard pressed find anyone who agree's with you jscribe58!

[MizQue]

"More than the total amount he earned during their four-year marriage...."

Best payday that tramp ever got for sleeping with a man!

[jscribe58]

Paul is without a doubt a legend, but I don't think 3% of his worth is a bad deal for him.Whatever the circumstances of the divorce, he wanted his privacy and got it. I just think making her the bad guy is not the right thing to do.We don't know the reasons, and probably never will. I think he's probably well pleased for getting it over with, and for only a pittance of his worth.

[chrismandu]

$63 Million...

Not bad for 4 years work.

In Jest..

Christopher Shookla
Philadelphia, PA

[nyckate]

Yoko Ono thanks Heather Mills most gratefully - for finally making her NOT the most despised person in Beatle History any longer - with Heather-the-Greedy now taking over as THE most depised woman in Beatle History!!!