Jurnees ex-husband is going after her coins and is seeking half of her retirement savings, including her 401(k) and Screen Actors Guild (SAG) pension.
Actress Jurnee Smollett is facing a new legal battle with her ex-husband, musician Josiah Bell, who is now seeking half of her retirement savings, including her 401(k) and Screen Actors Guild (SAG) pension. Despite Smollett reportedly paying Bell nearly $1 million in accordance with their 2021 divorce settlement, he has filed a claim asserting his entitlement to a portion of her retirement funds.
According to court documents obtained by The Neighborhood Talk, Bell is requesting 50% of the funds Smollett accrued in her retirement accounts between 2010 and 2019. This period coincides with their marriage, making the funds subject to California’s community property laws, which typically require marital assets to be divided equally in a divorce.
The court has ordered Smollett’s plan administrator to transfer half of the account balance accumulated during those years to Bell. If the ruling stands, Bell will gain access to a substantial portion of the retirement savings Smollett has built over the course of her career.
Smollett, who has been in the entertainment industry since childhood, began contributing to her SAG pension as early as age three. The actress gained widespread recognition for her roles in television series such as Lovecraft Country and Friday Night Lights, as well as films like Birds of Prey. Her consistent work in Hollywood over the decades has made her retirement savings a significant asset.
Legal experts have pointed out that while California law classifies assets earned during the marriage as community property, Smollett’s pension and 401(k) contributions extend far beyond the years she was married to Bell. Many are questioning the fairness of awarding Bell half of the retirement funds she accumulated while working long before and after their marriage.
Since their separation in 2019, Bell has been receiving a combined total of $7,000 per month in child support and alimony payments. The former couple, who married in October 2010, share a son together. Their divorce was finalized in 2021, with Smollett reportedly paying Bell close to $1 million as part of the settlement.
Given the substantial financial support Bell has already received, Smollett’s supporters argue that his latest legal action is excessive. They contend that a retirement account, which is meant to provide financial security for Smollett’s future, should not be further divided.
Bell’s claim has ignited a debate over the fairness of divorce settlements and asset division laws. While some argue that he is legally entitled to a share of the retirement funds accumulated during their marriage, others believe it is unjust for him to receive additional financial benefits, particularly after already being awarded significant payments.
Divorce attorneys note that cases involving long-standing retirement accounts can be complex, especially when one spouse has been contributing for decades. While community property laws often dictate a 50-50 split, exceptions can be made in cases where one party’s contributions predate the marriage or where the division would cause undue hardship.
What Happens Next?
Smollett has not publicly commented on the latest court order, and it remains unclear whether she intends to challenge the decision. If she chooses to contest the ruling, she may argue that Bell has already been sufficiently compensated and that further payments would be inequitable.
The outcome of this case could set a precedent for future disputes over retirement savings in high-profile divorces, particularly in the entertainment industry, where actors often begin working at a young age. Legal experts will be closely watching to see whether Smollett pursues an appeal or if she will be required to comply with the court’s decision.
For now, Smollett continues her work in Hollywood, while Bell’s latest claim adds another chapter to their ongoing post-divorce financial disputes.
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