Paul McCartney has defended his estranged wife Heather over allegations she entered the marriage for money, declaring there is "not an ounce of truth" in speculation about her motives.
"She is a very generous person who spends much of her time trying to help others" he said in a statement posted on his website. "All the work she does is unpaid, so these stories are ridiculous and completely unfounded."
But Paul and the anti-landmine campaigner, who've been married for four years and have a two-year-old daughter, now face tough decisions over a divorce settlement. The ex-Beatle apparently rejected Heather's offer to sign a pre-nuptial agreement before their June 2002 wedding, branding it as "unromantic".
Legal experts say the former model could be entitled to claim up to a quarter of her husband's estimated £850-million fortune, while a "quickie" divorce would see her receive £50 million.
Meanwhile Paul's family have rallied round to comfort him, with a friend of his fashion designer daughter Stella saying: "Her first loyalty is to her father's welfare and happiness."
The decision to end the marriage is said to have been taken by the star after a series of heated rows, despite his wife's belief they would weather the crisis. As recently as two weeks ago Heather threatened to take legal action over newspaper reports of strains in the relationship because, as she put it, the couple were "still 100 per cent together".
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Photo: © Alphapress.com
