Brinkley Divorce Trial to Remain Open to the Public
Christie Brinkley and Peter Cook’s upcoming divorce trial will remain open to the public, a New York judge ruled recently.
Acting State Supreme Court Judge Mark D. Cohen said in a five-page decision that he is keeping the trial open because “open courtrooms, in general and in divorce actions, may provide a basis for societal education.” He added: “The required high burden of compelling reasons to close the courtroom has not been met.”
The ruling goes against a motion brought by the attorney for the children and supported by Cook. Attorney Theresa Mari, on behalf of the children, argued that some of the evidence revealed at trial could damage her two clients – Jack, 12 and Sailor, 9.
One cannot help but wonder: Does the public’s insatiable appetite for celebrity gossip really outweigh Jack and Sailor’s right to be spared the tawdry details of their parents’ marital troubles? And, if it does, what does that say of the principles we value as a society?
The trial is the result of a two-year legal battle between Brinkley (54) and Cook (49). Custody, visitation rights, and child support of Sailor and Jack will be the central issues of the trial. Jack is Brinkley’s son from her previous marriage to Richard Taubman. Cook adopted Jack.
Brinkley has been married four times, and also has a 22-year-old daughter Alexa Ray Joel, whose father is Billy Joel.
Brinkley filed for divorce from Cook in July of 2006 after 10 years of marriage, alleging infidelity with his 18-year-old assistant, Diana Bianchi.
