Antonio Villaraigosa’s Divorce Settlement: A Mix of Money, Assets, and Netflix

The divorce settlement between former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and his ex-wife, Patricia Govea, has officially been finalized, marking the end of their marital journey. While the settlement involves the division of significant assets, including cash, property, and luxury vehicles, one unusual aspect has caught attention: the custody of their shared Netflix account. Villaraigosa, who served as the mayor of Los Angeles from 2005 to 2013, has emerged with the ownership of the account, leaving his ex-wife to figure out alternative arrangements for her binge-watching habits, including the next season of Love is Blind. This quirky detail adds a modern twist to the otherwise traditional divorce proceedings.

A closer look at the financial terms of the settlement

The financial aspects of the settlement reveal a substantial division of assets. Patricia Govea will receive $500,000 in cash, a 2016 Range Rover, and ownership of two properties in Mexico. These terms suggest a fair distribution of wealth, considering the couple’s combined resources. However, Villaraigosa retains the majority of the high-value assets, including the couple’s $3.4 million Beverly Hills home and a 2024 Volvo XC60. Additionally, the former mayor will keep his pension and maintain exclusive use of his last name. This last provision is particularly interesting, as it aims to prevent Govea from using Villaraigosa’s name for any business ventures, ensuring his personal brand remains untouched.

The battle over the Netflix account: A symbol of modern divorce

The Netflix account has become an unexpected focal point of the settlement. In today’s digital age, shared streaming accounts are increasingly common in relationships. However, when a couple separates, deciding who gets to keep the account can be a point of contention. For Villaraigosa, retaining control of the Netflix account might seem trivial compared to the multi-million dollar assets at stake, but it highlights the personal and often sentimental nature of divorce. For Govea, losing access to the account means she’ll have to set up her own streaming service or rely on other options, a small but symbolic change in her post-divorce life.

Villaraigosa’s political ambitions: A gubernatorial run in 2026

Despite his personal life making headlines, Villaraigosa’s focus appears to be on his political future. According to reports from the Los Angeles Times, the former mayor is gearing up for a potential gubernatorial run in 2026. This would be his second attempt at the position, following an unsuccessful bid in 2018 when he lost to current Governor Gavin Newsom. Villaraigosa’s decision to re-enter the political arena comes at a time when Newsom is facing criticism for his handling of key issues such as surging housing prices, rising crime rates, and the escalating costs of wildfires in California. These challenges could create an opening for Villaraigosa to position himself as a viable alternative, especially given his experience in both local and statewide governance.

Patricia Govea: A life beyond Villaraigosa

Patricia Govea, who married Villaraigosa in 2016, has her own identity and pursuits beyond her relationship with the former mayor. Before marrying Villaraigosa, Govea was known by her maiden name, which she has now reverted to as part of the settlement. Her association with a fashion business suggests that she has entrepreneurial ambitions and a desire to build a life independent of her ex-husband’s political career. While the settlement provides her with financial security, Govea’s decision to return to her maiden name and focus on her own ventures indicates a commitment to moving forward and establishing her own legacy.

The broader implications of Villaraigosa’s divorce and political plans

As Villaraigosa prepares for his potential gubernatorial campaign, his personal life and divorce settlement are likely to come under scrutiny. His first marriage ended in 2007 due to infidelity, including a high-profile affair with a Telemundo news anchor, which damaged his reputation at the time. Now, as he attempts to rebrand himself as a candidate for statewide office, Villaraigosa will need to navigate the challenges of his past while presenting a vision for California’s future. His ability to balance his personal narrative with his political aspirations will be crucial in determining whether he can regain the trust of voters and secure the governor’s seat in 2026.