Fez – Australian singer and songwriter Sia Furler, known worldwide for hits like “Chandelier” and “Titanium,” is facing a legal battle with her estranged husband Daniel Bernard. According to court documents obtained by the BBC, Bernard is requesting more than $250,000 (USD) per month in spousal support following their split.
The 49-year-old artist filed for divorce in March, citing “irreconcilable differences.” The couple married in December 2022 and share an 18-month-old son. Bernard, a former radiation oncologist, claimed he became “financially dependent” on Sia after leaving his medical career to co-run a short-lived business venture with her.
In his filings, Bernard said the requested payments are necessary to sustain what he described as their “luxurious and upper-class lifestyle.” He listed monthly expenses exceeding $400,000, including private jet travel, luxury vacations, fine dining, and full-time household staff. “We never needed to monitor our living expenses,” he reportedly wrote, adding that Sia had always been the “breadwinner” in their marriage.
Bernard also stated that re-entering his profession would take years, as he would need to complete additional training and exams to renew his certification. His legal team is also seeking extra funds to cover legal fees and forensic accounting costs.
Neither Sia nor her representatives have commented publicly on the matter.
The case has sparked online discussion, with fans debating the fairness of such high spousal support requests, especially given the short duration of the marriage. Many noted that Sia has long guarded her private life from media attention, choosing instead to focus on her music and mental health advocacy.
Sia, one of Australia’s most successful musical exports, has earned global acclaim for her distinctive voice and songwriting talent, penning hits for artists such as Rihanna, Beyoncé, and David Guetta. She recently released new music after several years of focusing on production and film projects.
As the divorce proceedings continue, the court will determine whether Bernard’s request reflects reasonable support or an excessive demand given their brief union. The outcome could set a new precedent for celebrity divorces in California’s entertainment circles.
