Gay rumors, pren-up haunt Star's ex-hubby Big Al.

BUT No one picks Star Jones' pocket!

The former co-host of The View protected her assets with an iron-clad prenup before she married banker Al Reynolds in November 2004 - and it paid off!

The pre-nup reportedly said that if the legal eagle's marriage ended before hitting the five-year mark, Al - who's been dogged by rumors he's gay - would receive none of her $10 million fortune.

And despite an agreement to keep details of their split private, Al, 38, blabbed on three YouTube video interviews. The ENQUIRER discovered that Star eventually agreed to a small payoff.

Los Angeles-based matrimonial attorney Thomas L. Simpson - who has handled the divorce case of Desperate Housewives star Doug Savant and other celebs - says airing dirty laundry is a bad idea.

"Other than venting one's anger, there's very little to be gained, but a lot to lose," he said.

Attorney Reisman added: "This marriage was crazy to begin with. If the rumors that Al is gay are true - which I know he's denied - was it a marriage of convenience?

"The key here is the iron-clad pre-nup, and that protected her assets."