Imagine your ex-partner suddenly becoming a multimillionaire shortly after your divorce. How would you feel?
This is exactly what happened to Eileen Murray when her ex-husband, Mike Weirsky, won a $273 million Mega Millions jackpot just five months after their marriage ended.
Eileen and Mike had been married for 15 years. During this time, Mike struggled to keep a steady job, leaving Eileen to handle most of the financial responsibilities in their household. She became the primary breadwinner, providing stability for the family while Mike faced challenges finding work.
When they divorced, the court ordered Eileen to pay alimony to Mike for five years, as he was financially dependent on her during their marriage. This type of support is often required in similar situations to help a dependent spouse after a divorce.
But no one could have expected what happened next. Just months after their split, Mike’s life changed forever when he won a $273 million lottery prize in 2019.
Speaking to Inside Edition, Eileen shared her thoughts on the situation. She explained the irony of continuing to pay alimony to someone who no longer needed financial help.
“To him, it’s pocket change now,” she said. “What I’m paying is nothing compared to what he has.”
Eileen clarified that she wasn’t trying to claim any part of Mike’s winnings. However, she admitted feeling frustrated about the ongoing payments.
The story sparked a debate online. Some commenters suggested Mike should give Eileen a portion of his winnings as a gesture of gratitude for her years of support. Others pointed out that since Eileen carried the financial burden during their marriage, it would have been fair for Mike to share some of his fortune with her.
“He won twice,” one user joked, referring to the lottery and the alimony. Another suggested, “He could at least gift her a small amount to show appreciation.”
