John Schneider has acknowledged that he owes his ex-wife, Elvira Schneider, about $3.7 million in unpaid spousal support, according to court documents obtained by TMZ. The “Dukes of Hazzard” actor says he had been confused because divorce proceedings were filed in both California and Louisiana, and he initially questioned whether the California support order was valid. He now says he understands that he owes the accumulated amount.
Schneider says he is not seeking forgiveness for the debt, but objects to an order taking half of his Social Security benefits before it is paid. In the documents, he says he cannot afford to clear the arrears and that diverting half of those benefits would leave him with fewer resources to cover his monthly expenses.
Elvira had previously claimed that Schneider owed more than $2.3 million in back support, along with about $1 million in interest. The former couple separated in 2014 after 21 years of marriage. In 2019, Schneider was ordered to pay $25,000 a month in support, and Elvira has been trying to collect the payments for years.
Schneider had previously disputed the amount he owed but now acknowledges the roughly $3.7 million figure, TMZ reported.
Sources: TMZ.