Beyoncé's mother Tina Knowles and Richard Lawson reportedly cannot comment about the singer as per divorce settlement

After eight years of marriage, Tina Knowles, global pop icon Beyoncé’s mother, has filed for a divorce with actor Richard Lawson. The agreement signed also contains a non-derogatory clause, which means that both parties, along with their families or their children—including Beyoncé and her sister, Solange Knowles cannot speak negatively of each other.

According to In Touch, Tina Knowles, 70, signed a large sum of money to Richard Lawson, 77, for a one-off payment in exchange for a divorce. Tina and Richard married on April 12, 2015, with a lavish ceremony in Newport Beach, California; however, Tina filed for divorce on July 26, 2023.

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Tina Knowles and Richard Lawson's divorce settlements

The settlement outlines the division of the couple's assets. Tina Knowles acquired several significant properties and property stakes, such as a 2018 Tesla and a 2020 Bentley, a book deal with Penguin Random House, and a 1% stake in Kirby Beauty Management LLC. She was also given custody of all works, Ideas, drafts, and other materials made by both parties during the marriage.

Richard Lawson, however, was given a 2021 Cadillac Escalade, all banks and retirement accounts, as well complimentary royalties and creative works he came up with during the marriage. He also owns Richard Lawson Studios, a leading acting school he has been running for a few years in Los Angeles.

Tina Knowles shall be required to make the necessary payments for credit card debts on her credit profiles and other household balances. Richard must pay for credit card payments and any due amount owed on his Cadillac. Besides, Tina was required to pay Richard $300,000 in a lump sum, and both parties shall not have a claim for alimony.

However, the non-disparagement clause remains one of the most apparent features of the settlement agreement. This prevents Tina Knowles and Richard from making derogatory comments concerning each other, their families, or their children. However, it also temporarily bars them from mentioning their grandchildren or future grandchildren to the media or anyone else. This would seem like a precaution to protect their family’s privacy, particularly given the global fame of Beyoncé.

Tina Knowles and Richard met many years ago, and they became friends and eventually became lovers. Richard once indicated how he met Tina through his sister, Gwen, who is Tina’s best friend, and how he had asked Tina out on a date. Looking back, in one of the posts Richard wrote about the first time he met her, he said she was one of the most beautiful women he had ever seen and had an amazing heart.

The glamorous couple tied the knot in 2015, celebrating with celebrity guests such as Beyoncé, Jay-Z, Kelly Rowland, Michelle Williams, Samuel L. Jackson, and Bianca Lawson.

Their divorce settlement reflects a desire to move forward amicably, with both parties maintaining their privacy and dignity. The restrictions on discussing each other and their families, particularly Beyoncé and Solange, suggest a commitment to shielding their loved ones from public scrutiny as they embark on the next chapters of their lives.