Veteran actor Bill Murray is currently entangled in a bitter divorce battle as his wife, Jennifer Butler Murray, has filed separation papers containing shocking allegations about his conduct.

The couple, who have been married for 11 years, is facing a tumultuous split with Jennifer accusing her husband of infidelity, substance abuse, and s**ual addiction among other things as detailed in court documents filed in South Carolina.

According to the divorce papers that were revealed by a local newspaper before being sealed by the courts, the state of the Murray’s marriage had been deteriorating over time.

Mrs Butler Murray, along with their four children, relocated to a residence in Sullivan Island, South Carolina, due to various reasons cited in the complaint including Mr Murray’s involvement in infidelity, drug and alcohol addiction, physical and emotional abuse, as well as s**ual addiction and frequent neglect.

The confidential documents were later leaked to the Smoking Gun website, known for publishing sensitive legal materials concerning prominent American figures.

Among the serious accusations outlined in the papers, one of the most troubling claims is the alleged physical abuse inflicted by Mr Murray on his wife on multiple occasions since their marriage in 1997, coupled with intimidating and abusive phone calls following their separation.

An incident in November 2007 at Sullivan Island was highlighted in the papers where it is claimed that Mr Murray struck his wife in the face and made threatening remarks.

The contentious relationship dynamics are further emphasized in the court filings, stating that Mr Murray’s violent and erratic behavior has irreparably damaged their marital bond, leaving Mrs Butler Murray feeling unsafe in his presence.

In addition to the litany of accusations, Mrs Butler Murray, aged 42, is seeking a restraining order to protect herself from any form of interference, abuse, or harassment from her husband.

The injunction also aims to prevent Mr Murray from introducing their children to individuals outside the marriage whom he has had romantic involvements with.

Bill Murray, a renowned figure in the entertainment industry, gained prominence through his collaboration with fellow comedians Dan Ackroyd and John Belushi in the 1970s on Saturday Night Live before achieving wider acclaim through comedy films like Scrooged and Groundhog Day.

Despite the unfolding controversy, Mr Murray has chosen to remain silent regarding the allegations.

In response to the situation, Mr Murray’s legal representative, John McDougall, expressed the actor’s deep sorrow over the dissolution of his marriage and emphasized their mutual commitment as parents to prioritize the well-being of their children.

While acknowledging the challenging circumstances, Mr Murray has urged the public to respect his family’s privacy during this trying period.

High-profile divorces in Hollywood often exhibit acrimonious disputes and exorbitant costs, with each party endeavoring to present unfavorable portrayals of the other to secure substantial settlements.

Due to a prenuptial agreement setting a limit on potential payouts in the event of a divorce, Mrs Butler Murray is unlikely to receive more than $7 million (£3.5 million) in the settlement process.