The ex-wife of a former senior Airbnb executive is challenging a £5 million divorce settlement, arguing she signed the agreement while heavily medicated and in no fit state to protect her financial interests. She claims the deal has left her "virtually destitute" and is now asking a court to set aside or renegotiate the terms, in a case that highlights how mental state and medication can affect the validity of financial settlements reached during acrimonious separations.

She alleges she was taking a large quantity of Xanax at the time she agreed to the settlement, describing the dosage as "enough to sedate a horse," and argues this impaired her judgement and ability to negotiate fairly. Her former husband, who held a senior position at Airbnb, disputes her account and maintains the original agreement should stand. The case is proceeding through the family courts, where judges will need to weigh her capacity to consent against the finality typically afforded to signed divorce settlements.