Boots and bedpans - the McCartneys bizarre divorce war

By Christoph Sator Oct 22, 2006, 16:28 GMT

In this file picture dated 04 July 2002, Sir Paul McCartney (L) and wife Heather Mills are seen during the Men\'s semi final match at the Wimbledon Tennis Championships, in Wimbledon. EPA/GERRY PENNY

London - Heather Mills has turned into the most hated and most photographed woman in Britain.

From The Sun to The Sunday Times, every newspaper had a picture of Sir Paul McCartney's 34-year-old wife on the front page of weekend issues.

The vicious divorce war, which centres on 64-year-old McCartney's 1.2 billion-euro fortune and custody of their two-year-old daughter Beatrice, has generated media frenzy.

Ex-model Heather knows all about the importance of choosing the right outfit.

Appearing before photographers on Saturday she wore black - and accessorized it all with high-heeled boots from the collection of Stella McCartney, the 35-year-old acclaimed fashion designer daughter of McCartney with his first wife Linda Eastman.

The boot jibe is all part of a drama which The Sunday Mirror called the 'showbiz divorce of the century.'

When Paul and Heather announced their separation in May, they declared they wanted to remain friends. Today, their story reads like a guideline for Things To Avoid In A Celebrity Divorce.

The allegations emerging from leaks to the press approach farce. Paul allegedly refused to bring a bedpan to Heather, who lost a leg in a car accident, forcing her to crawl to the toilet on all fours (or threes). In retaliation, Heather called the popstar an 'old man.'

Far worse are the allegations that McCartney resorted to violence in at least four instances. McCartney's lawyers have denied this vehemently.

On Sunday, Mill's attorneys countered that Mills had information according to which the ex-Beatle also abused his first wife Linda, who died of cancer in April 1998.

This seems hard to believe. Their 29-year marriage has always been perceived as the happiest of showbiz relationships.

McCartney recently published a calendar for 2007 featuring 12 photographs by his first wife, and he has dedicated his latest classical album 'Ecce Cor Meum' (Behold my heart) to Linda.

Mills' latest allegations have prompted people from McCartney's entourage to question her credibility. In their eyes, the ex-model is a notorious liar.

'It's becoming more ridiculous by the minute,' said one of the many unnamed friends whom British newspapers are quoting. 'Soon she will say that she has discovered a completely new colour.'

Public sympathy is not on Heather's side. Despite all the nasty accusations, McCartney is still the people feel sorry for. Mills' entourage is aware of this.

'It's as if you had to revolt against the Queen Mum,' another anonymous friend told The Mirror.

Unfortunately, as in most divorces, more than two people are hurt. The couple's daughter Beatrice, who turns three next Saturday, faces more than just a cancelled birthday party.