Linda Evangelista & François-Henri Pinault: The $46,000/Month Secret Baby
A supermodel, a luxury billionaire, a denied child — and $46K a month in child support
Key Facts
What Happened
Linda Evangelista — one of the original 1990s supermodels who famously declared she didn’t 'wake up for less than $10,000 a day' — gave birth to a son named Augustin James in 2006. She initially refused to name the father. In 2011, she filed a child support claim in New York Family Court revealing the father was François-Henri Pinault, the billionaire chairman of Kering (parent company of Gucci, Saint Laurent, Balenciaga, and Bottega Veneta).
Pinault initially denied paternity. He was by then married to actress Salma Hayek, with whom he had a daughter. A DNA test confirmed he was Augustin’s father. Evangelista’s initial claim reportedly sought $46,000 per month in child support — a figure that included security, nannies, a driver, and the lifestyle befitting the child of one of the world’s wealthiest men.
The case raised uncomfortable questions about the rights of children born to ultra-wealthy fathers outside of marriage. Under New York law, child support is calculated using the Child Support Standards Act (CSSA), which applies a percentage to parental income up to a statutory cap — but courts have discretion to award more for very high earners. The lifestyle of the non-custodial parent is a relevant factor.
The case was settled privately in 2012. While the exact terms were sealed, reports indicated Evangelista received approximately $46,000 per month in child support. Pinault also agreed to cover educational expenses. The two later reportedly reached a more amicable relationship regarding co-parenting. The case became a landmark example of how child support obligations to non-marital children can be substantial when the father is extremely wealthy.
Legal Breakdown: Paternity & Child Support From Ultra-Wealthy Parents
Child Support for Non-Marital Children
Non-marital children have the same rights to financial support as marital children in virtually every jurisdiction. The father’s wealth, the mother’s expenses, and the child’s needs all factor into the calculation. New York’s CSSA applies a formula but gives judges discretion for high earners.
Denied Paternity and DNA Testing
When paternity is denied, courts can order DNA testing. Once confirmed, the father has full legal obligations including child support, potentially retroactive to birth. Pinault’s initial denial had no effect on his ultimate liability.
Lifestyle-Based Child Support
For ultra-wealthy parents, child support goes beyond basic needs. Courts consider what lifestyle the child would have enjoyed if the parents were together. Security, private education, travel, and household staff can all be included in the support calculation.
What This Means for Your Divorce
- →Non-marital children have the same right to financial support as children born within marriage. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.
- →Denying paternity is a delay tactic, not a defense. DNA testing will resolve the question, and support may be ordered retroactively.
- →Child support from ultra-wealthy parents can be substantial and can include lifestyle expenses beyond basic needs.
- →If the father of your child is wealthy and uninvolved, file for child support. The child’s rights exist independently of the parents’ relationship.
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This article is based on publicly available court records, news reports, and legal analysis. It is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. No attorney-client relationship is created by reading this content.
Divorce laws vary by jurisdiction. Always consult a licensed attorney in your area before making legal decisions.