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Sir Paul McCartney is donating £1.6 million to a landmine charity after pulling out of a fundraising event he was due to host with his estranged wife Heather Mills.
The charity concert has now been cancelled and McCartney will have to pay the seven-figure sum as a form of compensation.
The final figure is being negotiated but sources suggested McCartney will offer in the region of $3 million (£1,585,671) for pulling out of the event in Los Angeles planned for 11 October.
It is the first time in the divorce battle that Sir Paul has had to pay out but is certain to be followed by more losses.
He had been scheduled to be the biggest attraction of the gig. But he said that given the timing of his divorce from Mills, it would not be appropriate to take part.
Both are sole patrons and goodwill ambassadors of charity Adopt-A-Minefield. Mills was founding patron and the couple helped set up the charity's British arm.
His move will inevitably raise questions over whether he will quit his role with the charity, which is closely associated with Mills's interest in helping amputees, fostered when she lost a leg after being knocked down by a police motorcycle answering a 999 call in 1993.
McCartney has been the main attraction at the annual Adopt-AMinefield-Gala since its inaugural-concert in 2001. The Beverly Hills event has raised up to $ 2million (£1,057,000) annually - almost half the charity's annual income. Tables at the Beverly Hilton Hotel cost up to $25,000 (£13,200).
McCartney maintained he was still " committed" to the charity but it is thought the concert was too soon after the separation for the couple to appear in public together.
McCartney said: "While I continue to be committed to Adopt-A-Minefield and its critical mission, given the current circumstances, I will not be able to attend the gala this year."
A source at the charity's head office in New York suggested $3 million was the likely sum he would end up paying, far more than the amount the concert raises.
His divorce to Mills is proving extremely costly. The battle for his £825 million estimated fortune is becoming increasingly bitter.
Mills, with whom he has a two-year-old daughter, may hope to receive up to £200 million.
Reader views (4)
I think that McCartney's willingness to pay that kind of money to the charity is admirable and demonstrates his commitment to a worthwhile cause. Kudos, Paul! Continue your travels on the high road. You and your children are handling things the right way. Again, kudos to you!
- Doreen, Jacksonville, FL USA, 27/08/2006 05:43
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I truly feel he is trying to find a woman that compares to his late wife. Problem is, I don't think he realizes this and it is costing him! Still, I think Paul is great!
- Angela, princeton USA, 24/08/2006 18:15
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He trusted her that is while he did not sign a pre-nup, but things like this will make it difficult for wealthy man to marry anymore because of bigger pay out.
- Yinka, london, 24/08/2006 15:02
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The bug eyed moron should have signed a pre-nup, that Mills women had 'bad news' all over her face from day one
- Jamie Dwelly, London, 24/08/2006 13:29
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