She Spent $95 Million on Love. He Spent It on Other Women.
She Built an Empire. He Built a Double Life.
You've probably heard about the biggest divorce settlements in history. Melinda Gates. MacKenzie Scott. Women who walked away with billions. But what about the women who poured millions in…and got chaos back?
Meet Natalie Massenet and Erik Torstensson. Fashion's power couple. She was the visionary who built Net-a-Porter into a global luxury empire. He was the branding mind behind Frame, the denim brand beloved by supermodels. What started as a business pitch turned into romance, then partnership, then... allegedly, a $95 million black hole.
According to reports, Massenet claims she poured over $95 million into the man she loved funding jets, art, and a lifestyle that looked perfect from the outside. But behind the champagne glow? Drugs, infidelity, and a man who may have treated her like a bank account with a pulse.
They've since revoked the lawsuit. We don't know if that means they settled quietly or if love made her excuse behavior despite all the receipts. Either way, the damage is done—and the lesson is universal.
What exactly happened in this split?
Natalie Massenet, founder of Net‑a‑Porter, filed a lawsuit in August 2025, accusing her longtime partner Erik Torstensson of leading a secret life of drug abuse, infidelity, hiring prostitutes and misusing her financial support. (NYP)
She alleges she invested over $95 million supporting his lifestyle and business ventures, which he promised to repay.
Torstensson is said to have admitted he was a “liar, an alcoholic, a drug addict, and a sex addict” and that this had gone on for years. (NYP)
The relationship had both romantic and business elements: they had a child together via surrogate in 2017, and worked closely in high-luxury fashion circles. ([FashionUnited][2])
In September 2025 the lawsuit was withdrawn, possibly hinting at a private settlement or decision to end public legal battle. ([Page Six][3])
Why is this relevant for anyone considering divorce (or in one)?
It’s a vivid example of how money, business & romance intertwine—and how dangerous that mix can be when one partner claims to be the “investment” of the other.
It's wildly common. Women pour money, time, and their life's essence into their husband's vision, the startup, the degree, the "next big thing." Sometimes it goes awry. Sometimes it fizzles. Sometimes it goes bananas... and still ends in divorce.
The betrayal element is extreme here, but the core is recognizable: emotional investment + financial investment + trust broken.
It reminds us that power dynamics, especially when one partner has significantly more business influence or money, can conceal risky behavior.
The public nature of the split highlights how even the richest, most glamorous couples aren’t immune to relational collapse—and that often it’s the hidden things that do the damage.
What warning signs appeared?
According to the lawsuit, Torstensson’s behaviour turned erratic in 2024: heavy drinking, panic attacks, disappearances, unexplained illnesses. (NYP)
Natalie allegedly found old phones with “indisputable evidence” of affairs, including with someone in her daughter’s circle.
Financial imbalance: Natalie claims she had been covering a disproportionate share of lifestyle and business costs with promises of reimbursement that never materialized. ([FashionUnited][2])
The blurring of personal + professional: their relationship was also a business partnership—so "betrayal" had multi-dimensional impact (personal, professional, financial).
Are there unique considerations because of the “celebrity / luxury” setting?
Yes — and even if you’re not in that world, some parallels apply:
The “image” factor: For many couples in divorce-mode, the pressure to maintain the façade or hide trouble adds complexity.
High assets + public scrutiny = bigger stakes: The sums here are huge, but for many divorcing couples, the principle matters more than the number.
Business entanglement: When personal and business lives fuse (start-ups, joint ventures, shared investments) separation becomes more complicated.
Addiction / secret life dynamics: The article’s account includes serious allegations of drugs, affairs, secret spending. While everyone's situation is different, hidden issues like these often surface in a breakup.
[1]: https://nypost.com/2025/09/07/lifestyle/inside-the-ugly-net-a-porter-split-thats-shocking-the-fashion-industry/?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Inside the ugly Net-a-Porter split that's shocking the fashion industry"[2]: https://fashionunited.com/news/fashion/from-net-a-porter-to-the-courtroom-when-luxury-turns-into-dirty-laundry/2025092168323?utm_source=chatgpt.com "From Net-a-Porter to the courtroom: When luxury turns into ..."[3]: https://pagesix.com/2025/09/25/style/net-a-porters-natalie-massenet-withdraws-bombshell-lawsuit-against-ex/ "Net-a-Porter founder Natalie Massenet withdraws bombshell lawsuit against her ex, Erik Torstensson"What can someone on the verge of divorce take away?
Love doesn't mean infinite financial blindness. It doesn't mean tolerating betrayal because you've already invested so much. And it definitely doesn't mean staying because walking away feels like admitting you were wrong.
Whether you funded his medical school or just covered rent while he "figured things out," the pattern is the same: investment without protection. Partnership without boundaries. And a creeping suspicion that you're giving everything while he's just... taking.
The dollar amounts in Natalie's story are astronomical—$95 million is unfathomable to most of us. But the feeling? That gut-punch realization that you've been pouring yourself into a bottomless pit? That's universal.
Like Roh So-young before her, Natalie never asked the question that could've saved her millions: What happens if this ends? They each moved through life trusting that money, like love, would just... work itself out. Spoiler: it doesn't. Both had the luxury of not asking questions—until the questions became lawsuits. They both ended up as cautionary tales wrapped in Hermès, reminding us that blind trust is expensive. They'll be fine—they're still rich. But they paid millions for an education in what trust actually costs.
💔 The “Ugly Split” Survival Checklist
(Because even the most glamorous breakups can teach you something — and still be handled with grace)
1. The “What Were You Really Funding?” Test
If you can’t tell whether you’re supporting a partner or a project, that’s your first red flag.
Keep records of what you spend “for us.”
If you’re constantly covering “temporary” expenses that never get repaid, call it what it is: a pattern.
Never confuse emotional generosity with financial obligation.
Before assuming betrayal, clarify expectations calmly — honesty upfront can save emotional and financial chaos later.
A healthy relationship involves shared reason, transparency, and fairness — not hidden ledgers and guilt gifts.
💬 Translation: If he promises to “pay you back once the deal closes,” grab a pen and a prenup, not champagne.
2. The Receipts Folder (Literally and Figuratively)
Every Venmo, text, or email that feels “off” belongs in one of two folders: Receipts or Revelations.
Keep screenshots.
Log patterns: who’s ghosting, who’s gaslighting, who’s guilt-tripping.
When it’s time to call a lawyer or therapist, you’ll have the truth on file, not just in your gut.
From It Doesn’t Have to Be Ugly: bring those records to your attorney intake session prepared — organized facts save you time, money, and sanity.
Documentation isn’t revenge—it’s protection and empowerment.
💬 Think of this as your “Season One evidence reel.”
3. The Mirror Check: Are You Protecting Your Image More Than Your Peace?
Natalie and Erik’s split was a lesson in optics vs. reality.
If you find yourself managing appearances (“we’re fine!”) while dying inside, ask:
Am I more afraid of being seen as single—or of living a lie?
Let reason lead emotion: reacting from fear or pride clouds decisions.
Reassess your values the way Demetria Graves suggests: “choose love over fear.”
Authenticity over aesthetics… always.
💬 Spoiler: Image fades faster than resentment.
4. The Addiction & Avoidance Audit
The Net-a-Porter saga had every dark subplot: drugs, sex, alcohol, lies.
You don’t need that level of scandal to justify leaving—but if your relationship runs on chaos management, take it seriously.
Is your partner always “recovering” from something?
Are you always “understanding”?
Does peace only come after a meltdown?
High-road move: step out of blame and into clarity. Write what’s right about them, what’s right about you, and what can’t coexist. (PDF’s “Avoid the Blame Game” exercise.)
Avoid the trap of righteous revenge, it’s just a slower kind of poison.
💬 You’re not their rehab center. You’re a person who deserves calm.
5. The “Love or Leverage” Question
When romance and business mix, intentions can blur fast.
Do you trust your partner as a person or because they’re a “brand”?
Would they still treat you the same if you lost your influence, money, or access?
Are your assets and identity safely separate?
Consult a family law attorney early, not to declare war, but to understand your options and protect mutual interests fairly.
Compassionate lawyering ≠ weakness; it’s strategy with integrity.
💬 Love built on leverage always ends in negotiations.
6. The Emotional ROI Calculator
You invested your time, heart, and sanity. Now calculate what you got back:
Did your love multiply your joy or your anxiety?
Did they grow with you or drain you?
Did you build a life—or just a lifestyle?
Take responsibility for your own role (the book’s “Ten Actions for an Amicable Divorce”). Let go of destructive habits and be honest—with yourself first.
Healing begins where blame ends.
💬 If your return is negative, divest gracefully and completely.
7. The Exit Plan That Protects Your Soft Spots
Before you pull a Natalie and file a bombshell suit, make sure you’ve handled the basics:
Legal separation of assets.
Emotional boundaries (no late-night texts “for closure”).
A small circle of trusted friends for support, not gossip.
Plan your communication: choose your time, tone, and witnesses wisely (from the “How to Tell Your Spouse and Children” chapter).
Remember — the goal isn’t to humiliate; it’s to close one chapter cleanly so the next can start peacefully.
💬 Your goal isn’t revenge—it’s recovery with receipts.
8. The Post-Breakup Glow-Up Protocol
Divorce doesn’t have to be your downfall—it can be your plot twist.
Reinvest in therapy, skincare, and silence.
Start a new chapter that’s not reactionary.
Date only when you miss connection, not chaos.
Rebuild intentionally: structure your finances, custody, and calendar with reason.
As Graves writes: “The high road has a better view.”
💬 Because nothing says “I moved on” like peace, privacy, and a prenup next time.
You don't have to make it ugly to make it final.
Before You Go Full “Ugly Split”…
Get the playbook that shows how to end it smart, clean, and drama-free.
📘 It Doesn’t Have to Be Ugly by Demetria Graves is the calm, legally-savvy counterpart to your chaos detox—teaching you how to protect your peace, your assets, and your next chapter.
👉 Download “It Doesn’t Have to Be Ugly” for FREE and learn how to leave with grace, not smoke.
Ready to Stop Funding Someone Else's Dreams?
This is exactly why Legally Uncensored exists. Every week, we break down the high-profile splits and the quiet ones—the salacious details, yes, but also the legal realities and emotional reckonings you need now, whether your marriage is thriving or falling apart.
Because the time to ask "Am I his partner or his ATM?" isn't after you've spent $95 million—or $95,000, or even just your twenties. It's today.
Listen to the new season of Legally Uncensored and join the conversation. Your future self will thank you.