A $30,000 party thrown by the wife of ex-Chicago Cubs second baseman Ben Zobrist has cost the couple so much more.
In court documents obtained by Chicago Tribune, the 40-year-old said the “genesis” of his on-going divorce proceedings was a retirement party his wife, Christian pop singer Julianna Zobrist, threw for their pastor Byron Yawn in December 2018.
According to Ben, his wife spent $30,000 on the party that was held at their farm. At that party, Julianna and Yawn allegedly both were intoxicated and were “dancing ‘on’ each other in a provocative way that was very embarrassing to Ben, especially in front of their close church friends.”
“Wife took umbrage at her husband’s rebuking her privately after the party for acting in this manner in public,” his court filing said. “However, unknown to husband, wife was already ‘in love’ with Pastor Yawn.”
Julianna, who allegedly bought a “burner phone” to talk to Yam, said she reached out to him in pursuit of advice. Eventually, Yawn gave the couple counseling.
“Wife reached out to her pastor, Byron Yawn, and found solace in his support,” her filing said. “The parties had a friendship with Mr. Yawn and his family. Wife’s friendship and connection with Mr. Yawn grew over a period of time and changed into a romantic relationship. In March of 2019, wife had an affair with Mr. Yawn and admitted this relationship to husband in May of 2019. Although she did not admit the adultery until later.”
The couple filed for divorce in May 2019 after 14 years of marriage and the trial will begin in August.
Ben took a leave of absence from the Cubs during their marital issues, which resulted in him losing $7.5 million of his $12 million salary. During this time, the couple attended marriage therapy, where Julianna allegedly “coaxed” Ben to return to the Cubs and earn the remainder of his salary.
Julianna claimed her ex-husband “basically [gave] up,” turning down income when he took his leave. She is seeking an even split of their assets and an additional $4 million. But the 2016 World Series MVP has other plans in mind. He is suing Yam – currently the CEO of the Nashville business-consulting firm Forrest Crain & Co. – $6 million for emotional distress and allegedly defrauding Ben’s charity.