Tina Knowles has taken steps to shield her family from potential public scrutiny with a non-disparagement clause in her divorce settlement with ex-husband Richard Lawson.
The latest development in Tina Knowles’ high-profile divorce from actor Richard Lawson is that the fashion designer and mother of global superstar Beyoncé has secured a non-disparagement clause as part of their settlement.
After years of 8 years of marriage, Tina Knowles and actor Richard Lawson have officially finalized their divorce.
The renowned fashion designer asked the court to terminate the court’s ability to award spousal support to neither her nor 76-year-old Lawson and restore her name to Celestine Knowles. According to court documents publicized in July 2023, Tina Knowles, formerly Tina Knowles-Lawson, cited irreconcilable differences.
While both parties waived their right to spousal support, Knowles agreed to pay Lawson a one-time payment of $300,000, which represented “a full and complete settlement of all interest that Respondent has acquired during marriage in the parties’ community property as well as his obligation on any and all community debts.”
The court documents also include an NDA that both parties must sign, prohibiting them from speaking negatively about the other party, their children, or their grandchildren. The clause ensures that Tina and Richard are legally obligated to keep their feelings about each other and their families private.
“With respect to the mutual desire to protect the privacy rights of any and all present or future grandchildren of either party, the parties agree that they will not, when asked by any media or person, discuss said grandchildren or future grandchildren whether verbally or in writing,” the clause reportedly reads.
As word of the non-disparagement clause spread, fans took to social media to speculate that Beyoncé’s safety was a major factor in the decision. Given the intense public interest in the Knowles-Carter family, such a clause is viewed as a proactive measure to avoid potential scandals or controversies.
While the former couple has been relatively quiet about the reasons for their split, rumors have circulated about the role Lawson’s alleged social media behavior may have played in their breakup.