Carol Alt Happily Cries Her Cares Away

Former supermodel loses bid to collect money from ex-hubby, but says she feels "vindicated and free" anyway

Having been a supermodel, Carol Alt probably knew to apply waterproof mascara beforehand.

The '80s-era Sports Illustrated swimsuit-issue hottie was a loser in a New York court today, as a judge ruled that her ex-husband, ex-NHL player Ron Greschner, does not owe her any money for a past joint business venture. But she still walked away from the courthouse feeling like a million bucks.

"I feel vindicated and free. These are tears of joy," an emotional Alt told reporters afterward. "It's really finally over. It's like an ending, a solid ending."

Alt, who finished third on The Celebrity Apprentice earlier this year, sued Greschner in 2007 for $1 million, calling it an attempt to finally cut financial ties with her ex, with whom she once had stakes in a water-filtration business.

The duo separated in 1997 but were legally married for 18 years before divorcing in 2001. Alt said that she entrusted her finances to Greschner when they split up and, despite this little legal skirmish (in which the judge ultimately ruled that the statute of limitations on Alt's claim to any share of the proceeds had expired), she wouldn't do a thing differently.

"If I went back right now I'd do the same thing," she said. "Call me stupid. Call me a dumb brunette, not a blonde."

Greschner did not speak to reporters.