Susana Giménez — Argentina's Queen of TV Paid $10 Million to Divorce a Polo Player
Argentina's biggest TV star paid her polo-player husband $10 million to walk away — after throwing an ashtray at him.
Key Facts
What Happened
Susana Giménez is arguably the most famous television personality in Argentine history — a host, actress, model, and businesswoman who has been considered the biggest celebrity in Argentine television. Her romantic history has been as dramatic as any telenovela. Her first marriage came at age 17 to Mario Sarrabayrouse after becoming pregnant with their daughter Mercedes; it lasted five years, ending in 1967.
In the 1970s, Giménez had a high-profile relationship with world boxing champion Carlos Monzón (1974-1978), followed by a nine-year relationship with actor Ricardo Darín, thirteen years her junior, though they remain good friends to this day. But it was her marriage to polo player Huberto Roviralta in 1988 that produced the most financially dramatic divorce in Argentine celebrity history.
The Giménez-Roviralta divorce in 1998 was remarkable because it was Susana — the wife — who had to pay a massive settlement. She reportedly paid Roviralta $10 million to finalize the divorce. The proceedings are immortalized in Argentine pop culture by the 'cenicerazo' — an incident where Susana threw an ashtray at Roviralta during their divorce negotiations, becoming one of the most remembered moments in Argentine celebrity culture.
Giménez's case challenged traditional gender assumptions about divorce settlements. As the higher-earning spouse with greater fame and wealth, she was the one who paid, not received, a major settlement. The $10 million payment to a polo player by his celebrity wife flipped the script on typical divorce narratives and demonstrated that financial obligations in divorce are based on economics, not gender.
Legal Breakdown: When the higher-earning spouse is the wife
Higher-Earning Wife Pays Settlement
Giménez's $10 million payment to Roviralta demonstrates that divorce financial obligations are based on earning capacity and marital contributions, not gender. As the higher-earning spouse, she was obligated to pay — a reality that challenges assumptions about who pays in divorce.
Celebrity Earning Power and Alimony
Giménez's income depended on her public persona, TV contracts, and endorsements. Calculating settlement obligations for celebrities requires understanding that their earning power can fluctuate dramatically with public opinion, contract renewals, and age.
Emotional Conduct in Divorce Proceedings
The infamous ashtray incident illustrates how emotional volatility during divorce can create lasting reputational damage. While the incident became a pop-culture moment, it also underscores the importance of maintaining composure during high-stress divorce negotiations.
What This Means for Your Divorce
- →Divorce financial obligations are based on economics, not gender — higher earners pay, regardless of sex.
- →Maintain composure during divorce proceedings — emotional outbursts can become public spectacles.
- →Protect your earning capacity and public reputation throughout the divorce process.
- →Celebrity divorces require specialized valuation of brand, image, and future earning potential.
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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.