FIGHT FOR THE KIDS
With divorce talk mounting, friends fear a custody battle could ensue
With growing concern over the state of their marriage, friends fear George and Amal Clooney will be the next A-list couple to be locked in a bitter custody battle over their children.
Rumours of a split began when Amal, 40, was noticeably absent from the Ocean’s Eleven star’s annual Casamigos Halloween party held at the Aria Resort & Casino in Las Vegas last month.
The usually romantic pair have not been photographed together since they were spotted in Italy on August 11, making it a shocking 93 days since their last public appearance.
CUSTODY WAR
Now, friends fear Amal and the 57-year-old actor’s 17-monthold twins Ella and Alexander will be caught in the crossfire of a brutal showdown for custody.
“George and Amal are crazy about their kids and it would be hard for either of them to agree to spending significant time away from Ella and Alexander,” our insider says.
“There’s a worry that a divorce could spell an all-out custody war, and with George’s fortune and Amal’s legal expertise, it could unfortunately turn very nasty and fast.
“They’re great parents, so the hope is that if they split up, they’ll be able to do what’s best for the kids and agree to a shared custody arrangement.
“But everyone thinks Amal will fight for full custody and want the kids with her. If that is the case, George will be absolutely heartbroken – he’ll fight for his kids to the end.”
George and Amal tied the knot four years ago at a lavish ceremony in the Italian city of Venice. They are notoriously private when it comes to their children, going above and beyond to keep Ella and Alexander out of the spotlight.
“George and Amal were so loved up when they started dating and straight after their wedding. They were thrilled when the twins arrived, but the pressures of work and having a family have been tough,” a source tells.
“They discussed having more kids before they got to a crisis point in their marriage. But it’s been a long time since George and Amal were seen together last. It’s as though they’re living separate lives. “It was a shock that Amal skipped George’s Halloween party, seeing as it’s always been one of the biggest nights of his year. Now people are wondering if it’s a sign they’re struggling to keep things civil.” Friends fear that if George and Amal do decide to call it quits on their marriage, things could turn ugly for the family of four. “They may have had their problems, but George and Amal are good together and everyone wants to see them make it work,” says the source. “It took George a long time to find Amal, so hopefully this isn’t the end of their love story.”
‘Everyone thinks Amal will fight for full custody’