Simon Cowell Criticized for Affair, Pregnancy that led to Close Friend’s Divorce

While Simon Cowell may be well-known for his blunt criticism as a judge
on American Idol and The X Factor, he is now the subject of harsh judgment
for his role in the breakup of his close friend Andrew Silverman’s
10-year marriage.

Andrew, a wealthy real estate mogul and co-owner of Panama’s Veneto
Hotel & Casino, has filed for divorce, citing adultery as the reason
for the marital breakdown. Simon and Andrew’s estranged wife, Lauren
Silverman, have reportedly been having an affair since 2009. The reality
television star met Lauren, a New York socialite, in 2004, but the disloyal
duo didn’t become romantically involved until five years later.

A mere affair is not where this scandal ends, though – Lauren is also reportedly
10-weeks pregnant with Cowell’s first child, due in February 2014.

Although the Silvermans’ marriage was certainly not perfect, divorce
papers were never filed until Andrew learned of his wife’s affair.
In the divorce papers, Andrew stated, “The nature of this action
is: to dissolve the marriage between the parties based upon (1) the commission
of acts of adultery by the defendant and (2) defendant’s cruel and
inhuman treatment of the plaintiff.”

Soon after the scandal became public, Simon left for a vacation in St.
Tropez without Lauren. It is unclear at this time whether the couple intends to marry.

Here are some issues we can expect to see unravel as this matter progresses:

1. Although Simon is reportedly trying to distance himself from the court
   battle, Andrew’s divorce documents list Simon as a co-respondent.
   This means Simon could be called to the witness stand.
2. In New York, when adultery is proven, the court can force the cheating
   party (and Simon) to take a DNA test.
3. Andrew is currently seeking full custody of the 7-year-old son he shares
   with Lauren. He is reportedly willing to settle custody and financial
   issues quickly in an effort to cut his ties to Lauren and Cowell as soon
   as possible.
4. What may be the most controversial element of this divorce is the prenuptial
   agreement signed in 2003 by the now-estranged couple. The contract apparently
   states that Lauren is entitled to a $4-million settlement if she and Andrew
   were married 10 years. However, one source reports that Andrew did not
   discover Lauren’s affair until after their 10-year wedding anniversary.