Martina Navratilova’s former girlfriend has sued her in Sarasota court for more than $7 million.
Toni Layton, who says the tennis star dumped her suddenly after nearly eight years, said she filed the suit because of the “emotional, mental and physical trauma” she has suffered. She claims she was removed from Navratilova’s life and locked out of the six multi-million-dollar homes they shared.
The Sarasota lawsuit also says that Navratilova, 52, has refused to return hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of property owned and registered in Layton’s name—including a Mercedes Benz, two Land Rovers, two jet skis and several other recreational vehicles. It also says that Navratilova has refused to return jewelry, guns and other gifts that Layton gave to her as gifts.
The two women had an unofficial wedding ceremony but were never legally married. Layton, 56, says she and her ex had an agreement to evenly share all funds and assets earned and obtained while the two were a couple.
The lawsuit means Czech-born Navratilova could once again see her private life exposed in court.
Layton’s claim mirrors that of Navratilova’s only other long-term lover, Judy Nelson, who was cast aside by the champion in 1991 after more than seven years. Nelson, who left her husband and two young sons to set up home with Miss Navratilova, later sued for $7.5 million.
The case was settled for about half that amount.
“Martina has got a fight on her hands,” Layton told the London Daily Mail. “Without any warning, my life came crashing down around me. I was kicked out on the streets with only the clothes on my back. I was left an emotional wreck, with nothing to show for eight years of my life. I still suffer nightmares today. It’s something I don’t think I will ever properly recover from.”
Navratilova, who is reportedly engaged to soviet model Julia Lemigova, 36, has not publicly addressed the suit. A spokesperson for her said the suit is a private matter.
