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James Stunt is a British businessman known for his luxurious lifestyle, art collection, and high-profile marriage to Petra Ecclestone, the daughter of Formula 1 billionaire Bernie Ecclestone.
Once believed to be a billionaire, Stunt’s financial standing has dramatically changed over the years, leading to bankruptcy and legal troubles.
In this article, we examine James Stunt’s net worth in 2025, the rise and fall of his wealth, and the controversies that have shaped his financial journey.
Who is James Stunt?
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James Stunt is a British businessman known for his involvement in gold trading, art collection, and luxury asset investments.
He gained widespread public attention through his marriage to Petra Ecclestone, the daughter of Formula 1 billionaire Bernie Ecclestone.
Over the years, Stunt has been a controversial figure due to his financial dealings, legal troubles, and claims regarding his wealth.
Early Life and Background
James Stunt was born on 21 January 1982 in London, England. He grew up in a privileged environment, with his parents, Geoffrey Stunt and Lorraine Stunt, providing him with a comfortable upbringing.
He has a brother, Lee Stunt, but details about his family’s business background remain largely private.
As a child, Stunt was known for his interest in luxury goods, fine art, and high-value collectibles. His passion for wealth and status would later become a defining part of his public image.
Despite attending prestigious schools, there is little publicly available information about his higher education or academic achievements.
Marriage to Petra Ecclestone
James Stunt married Petra Ecclestone in 2011, in a lavish ceremony at Odescalchi Castle in Rome. The wedding was an extravagant affair, reportedly costing over $15 million, with high-profile guests and an elaborate display of luxury.
The couple had three children together—a daughter and twin boys. They initially lived in a £90 million mansion in Chelsea, London, before moving to Spelling Manor in Los Angeles, which they purchased for $85 million.
Their marriage was often portrayed as the union of extreme wealth, with both Stunt and Ecclestone leading a highly luxurious lifestyle.
However, their relationship deteriorated, and in 2017, they went through a highly publicised divorce.
Petra accused Stunt of being controlling and abusive, and later, she made claims that she had financed much of his extravagant lifestyle. Their divorce settlement was kept private, but Petra was awarded full custody of their children.
Business Ventures and Public Image
Stunt built his reputation as a businessman involved in various industries, including:
- Gold trading – He claimed to have made significant wealth through the buying and selling of gold. However, reports later questioned the legitimacy of his business dealings.
- Art collection – He owned rare paintings from renowned artists, but some were later suspected to be forgeries.
- Luxury cars – His fleet of high-end cars, including Rolls-Royces and Ferraris, added to his billionaire image, but some vehicles were later alleged to be replicas.
- Real estate – He lived in multi-million-pound properties in London and Los Angeles, often making headlines for high-value purchases.
Despite portraying himself as a billionaire, financial troubles, lawsuits, and bankruptcy claims raised doubts about his actual net worth.
Legal and Financial Issues
In 2019, James Stunt was declared bankrupt by a British court due to outstanding debts exceeding $18 million. His financial decline was linked to unpaid loans, legal disputes, and mismanagement of assets.
Some of his legal troubles include:
- A lawsuit from Bernie Ecclestone over an unpaid $100,000 loan.
- Allegations of financial misconduct in his gold trading business.
- A rental dispute due to unpaid office rent.
- Accusations that some of his luxury assets, including paintings and cars, were fake.
Following his bankruptcy, Stunt was ordered to vacate his £11 million mansion and lost access to many of his prized possessions.
What Is James Stunt’s Net Worth in 2025?
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As of 2025, James Stunt’s net worth is estimated to be around $10 million. This is a significant drop from his previously claimed billionaire status.
Once known for his extravagant lifestyle and high-value assets, his financial position has changed drastically due to multiple legal and financial struggles.
Stunt was once associated with immense wealth, owning luxurious properties, rare art pieces, and an enviable collection of high-end sports cars.
However, bankruptcy proceedings, debts, and lawsuits have forced him to part with many of his prized possessions.
While some reports suggest that he still holds assets, there is little evidence to support the idea that he remains a billionaire.
James Stunt’s Net Worth Over the Years
The following table provides a comparison of James Stunt’s estimated net worth over the years, reflecting his financial rise and decline.
| Year | Estimated Net Worth | Key Financial Events |
| 2015 | $3-5 billion (claimed) | Publicly portrayed as a billionaire, owned luxury assets and businesses |
| 2017 | $500 million – $1 billion (estimated) | Divorce from Petra Ecclestone, financial scrutiny begins |
| 2019 | Less than $20 million | Declared bankrupt, legal disputes over debts |
| 2022 | Around $10-15 million | Lost access to multiple assets, allegations of fake artwork and cars |
| 2025 | Approximately $10 million | No major business ventures, legal battles still ongoing |
How Did James Stunt Build His Wealth?
James Stunt’s wealth was built through a combination of investments, business ventures, and high-value assets.
Though he was often portrayed as a billionaire, many reports suggest that his fortune was not entirely self-made. His financial empire was largely centred around gold trading, art collection, luxury assets, and strategic business ventures.
Gold Trading and Precious Metals
One of the primary sources of Stunt’s wealth was his involvement in the gold and precious metals industry. He claimed to have built a fortune through gold trading, dealing in bullion and high-value commodities.
- He established gold trading businesses, dealing with both private investors and corporate clients.
- Stunt was known to invest heavily in gold reserves, often presenting himself as a key player in the industry.
- His business model reportedly involved buying and selling gold at strategic market points to generate significant returns.
- However, there were later allegations of irregularities within his gold business, with some sources questioning the legitimacy of certain transactions.
Luxury Art Collection
Stunt was an avid art collector, owning a vast collection of rare and expensive paintings. His art investments played a significant role in his financial portfolio, adding to the perception of his immense wealth.
- His collection reportedly included masterpieces from world-renowned artists such as Claude Monet, Pablo Picasso, Edgar Degas, and Sir Peter Lely.
- He was known to purchase art at prestigious auctions, often making high-profile acquisitions.
- Stunt’s reputation as an art connoisseur allowed him to engage in lucrative sales and trades, which contributed to his wealth.
- However, in 2019, investigations revealed that some of the paintings he had loaned to Dumfries House were suspected to be forgeries. This controversy damaged his credibility in the art world and raised questions about the authenticity of his entire collection.
Luxury Cars and Assets
Stunt’s wealth was also reflected in his extensive collection of luxury cars, which he claimed were among the most valuable in the world.
- His garage reportedly housed five Rolls-Royces, three Lamborghinis, two Mercedes-Benz Gullwings, and a rare Ferrari 250 LM.
- He often showcased his collection, reinforcing his image as a wealthy businessman with a passion for high-end automobiles.
- However, following his bankruptcy, many of these cars were seized or sold off.
- Additionally, allegations surfaced that some of the cars were replicas rather than authentic high-value models.
Real Estate Investments
Stunt’s fortune allowed him to invest in high-end real estate, purchasing multi-million-pound properties in the UK and abroad.
- One of his most famous real estate transactions was the purchase of Spelling Manor in Holmby Hills, Los Angeles, for $85 million.
- He and Petra Ecclestone also lived in a lavish London mansion worth approximately $90 million.
- These properties contributed to his overall wealth and reinforced his billionaire image.
- However, the financial pressures following his legal troubles led to the loss of many of these assets.
Business Ventures and Investments
Beyond gold trading, art, and real estate, Stunt also had other investments that contributed to his wealth.
- He was involved in private equity deals, backing businesses in luxury goods, commodities, and high-value collectibles.
- His financial portfolio reportedly included shares in various companies, though details on these investments remain unclear.
- Stunt also claimed to have been involved in philanthropy, making donations to various causes, though the extent of his charitable contributions remains debatable.
Financial Dependence on Petra Ecclestone
While Stunt maintained that he was a self-made billionaire, reports suggest that his financial stability was heavily supported by his ex-wife, Petra Ecclestone.
- Petra, the daughter of Formula 1 billionaire Bernie Ecclestone, came into the marriage with her own immense wealth.
- Following their divorce in 2017, she publicly stated that she had funded much of Stunt’s lifestyle, covering expenses for his cars, art, and personal luxuries.
- She alleged that many of his assets were financed in her name, further casting doubt on the legitimacy of his claimed fortune.
James Stunt’s financial empire was built on a combination of strategic investments, luxury acquisitions, and high-profile business dealings. However, questions about the legitimacy of some of these ventures, coupled with mounting legal and financial troubles, ultimately led to the collapse of his wealth.
What Was James Stunt’s Lifestyle Like Before His Financial Troubles?
Before his financial difficulties, James Stunt lived an extraordinarily lavish lifestyle. His marriage to Petra Ecclestone in 2011 was a highly publicised event, reportedly costing more than $15 million.
The wedding took place at Odescalchi Castle in Rome, an exclusive venue known for hosting luxurious ceremonies.
In addition to his high-profile wedding, he and Petra purchased Spelling Manor in Holmby Hills, Los Angeles, for $85 million.
At the time, this was one of the most expensive real estate transactions in the United States. Petra later attempted to sell the property for $150 million but struggled to find a buyer, eventually selling it for $120 million in 2019.
Stunt’s luxury lifestyle extended beyond real estate. He owned an impressive collection of sports cars, which included rare and classic models such as the Ferrari 250 LM, multiple Rolls-Royces, and several high-end Mercedes vehicles.
He was also a passionate art collector, reportedly possessing valuable paintings from world-renowned artists.
His extravagant spending habits, however, were unsustainable. As financial pressures mounted, he was forced to part with many of these assets, leading to a dramatic shift in his lifestyle.
Why Was James Stunt Declared Bankrupt?
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In June 2019, a British court declared James Stunt bankrupt. At the time, he faced significant financial troubles, with debts estimated to exceed $18 million.
These debts included unpaid legal fees, outstanding payments to security personnel, and obligations to gambling firms.
His bankruptcy was the result of a combination of poor financial management, legal disputes, and business failures.
Reports indicated that he struggled to maintain payments on luxury properties and vehicles, leading to repossessions and asset seizures.
During the court proceedings, Stunt claimed that he was still wealthy but unable to access his funds due to an ongoing police investigation.
However, the court ruled against him, ordering him to vacate his £11 million mansion and relinquish access to his fleet of vehicles.
What Legal Issues Has James Stunt Faced?
James Stunt’s financial decline has been closely linked to several legal disputes.
One of the most notable cases involved a lawsuit from his former father-in-law, Bernie Ecclestone. Ecclestone sued Stunt over an unpaid debt of $100,000 related to a gold trading business.
Additionally, Stunt faced legal action from landlords over unpaid office rent. His business dealings, particularly in the gold industry, have been scrutinised, with allegations of financial misconduct surfacing over the years.
These legal battles have played a significant role in his financial struggles.
The mounting lawsuits, combined with declining business revenues, forced him into bankruptcy and significantly altered his public image.
What Did Petra Ecclestone Reveal About James Stunt?
Following their divorce in 2017, Petra Ecclestone made a series of public statements about James Stunt’s financial status and personal behaviour.
In 2019, she posted a series of messages on social media, making several claims about her ex-husband.
She alleged that throughout their marriage, she was the primary financial supporter and that Stunt had misrepresented his wealth.
According to her, she funded his luxury lifestyle, including his car collection, watches, and art investments. She also suggested that his business ventures were not as successful as he claimed.
One of the most shocking allegations involved the authenticity of his luxury assets. Petra claimed that some of Stunt’s cars were replicas, including a Lamborghini that supposedly used a Ford key for ignition.
She also stated that some of his expensive paintings were fake, a claim that was later supported by investigations.
Additionally, she described him as having an obsession with wealth and status but claimed that he spent most of his time in bed, heavily reliant on prescription drugs.
These revelations severely impacted his reputation and further raised doubts about his financial standing.
Are James Stunt’s Art and Cars Real or Fake?
James Stunt was widely recognised as a collector of fine art and luxury cars. However, concerns have been raised about the authenticity of some of his most prized possessions.
In 2017, he loaned 17 paintings to Dumfries House, a charity associated with the Prince of Wales.
In 2019, it was revealed that three of these paintings—believed to be works by Monet, Picasso, and Dali—were suspected to be fakes. This scandal damaged his credibility in the art world and cast further doubt on his financial dealings.
Similar concerns have been raised about his car collection. While he was known to own several high-end vehicles, allegations emerged that some of them were replicas rather than genuine models.
Petra Ecclestone’s claims about his Lamborghini using a Ford key added to the controversy.
These revelations contributed to the public perception that Stunt’s wealth may not have been as substantial or legitimate as previously believed.
What’s Next for James Stunt?
Following his bankruptcy and legal battles, James Stunt has largely withdrawn from the public eye.
While he continues to claim that he is financially stable, there is little evidence to suggest that he has successfully rebuilt his business empire.
There are several possibilities for his future. He may attempt to regain financial stability through new business ventures, though given his history of financial struggles, this may be challenging. He could also focus on resolving his legal issues and settling outstanding debts.
Public perception of Stunt has shifted significantly over the years. Once seen as a wealthy businessman and collector, he is now associated with financial mismanagement and legal disputes. Whether he will make a successful comeback remains to be seen.
Is James Stunt Still Considered a Billionaire?
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Despite once being linked to billionaire status, James Stunt is no longer considered a billionaire by financial analysts or public records. His financial troubles, legal battles, and loss of assets have significantly reduced his wealth.
While he has maintained that he still possesses substantial funds, there is no clear evidence to support this claim. His current financial status suggests that he is far from the level of wealth he once portrayed.
His story serves as a stark example of how fortunes can change, particularly in industries reliant on luxury assets and high-risk investments. Whether he will be able to recover from his financial downfall remains uncertain.
Conclusion
James Stunt’s financial journey has been marked by a dramatic rise and fall. Once living a life of luxury, he now faces significant financial and legal challenges.
His bankruptcy, lawsuits, and accusations from his ex-wife have all played a role in reshaping his public image.
While his future remains uncertain, his story serves as a reminder of how quickly fortunes can change in the world of wealth and high society.
FAQs About James Stunt Net Worth
What businesses did James Stunt own?
James Stunt was involved in gold trading, art investments, and luxury asset management.
Did James Stunt really own a collection of expensive cars?
Yes, but reports suggest that some of the cars may have been replicas.
Why did James Stunt and Petra Ecclestone divorce?
They divorced in 2017 due to personal and financial conflicts, with Petra later making serious allegations against him.
How much money did James Stunt lose?
While estimates vary, reports indicate that he lost millions due to bankruptcy, legal disputes, and unpaid debts.
Is James Stunt still in debt?
Yes, his bankruptcy proceedings suggest he still faces outstanding debts and financial obligations.
Does James Stunt still live a luxury lifestyle?
His lifestyle has changed significantly since his financial troubles, and he no longer enjoys the wealth he once did.
What is James Stunt doing in 2025?
There are no confirmed reports of new business ventures or financial recovery efforts.
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