Share

Christie Brinkley slams ex-husband

Los Angeles - Christie Brinkley has accused her ex-husband of trying to "destroy" her happiness.

The 58-year-old supermodel split from Peter Cook in 2008 after 12 years of marriage but she insists he won't let her move on with her life.

In an emotional interview on television show Today, she told host Matt Lauer: "(Peter) continues to contact me.

"I just want peace. And every time I have any joy or any kind of success in anything, he has to try to destroy it."

Christie recently went to court claiming Peter had sent her rude emails and had not been keeping up with maintenance payments for 16-year-old Jack - the model's child from a previous relationship who was adopted by Peter - and 13-year-old Sailor.

Peter then made a string of public appearances branding his ex-wife a liar and "narcissistic egomaniac", in what Christie says has been a "character assassination".

Asked why she was speaking out about their disputes now, she said: "Since the day he realised I wasn't coming back there has been a character assassination.

Confidentiality agreement

"I asked for a confidentiality agreement and got it. I alone have maintained that. I had a lot of offers to come on TV and talk about it and I didn't want to do it.

"I have turned the other cheek. There is not one quote from me anywhere. This is the first time I've been on a show and I'm really here to talk about appearing in the Broadway production, Chicago.

"But I have endured weeks of lies and character assassination and a media storm. I have never taken part in name calling. The only thing I ever said at the end of the second trial was 'google "divorcing a narcissist"'.

"I'm not alone. I've gotten hundreds of letters from women who are going through this. It's not easy."

Peter has denied owing money and claims he pays double what the courts require, but Christie - who says he pays $600 a month for each child - insisted she wouldn't have taken action if it weren't necessary.

She said: "It wasn't about the money. I have hesitated to do anything with the court because he actually likes the publicity and he likes going to court."

The four-times wed beauty also has a daughter Alexa Ray with second husband Billy Joel.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE