Former New York Governor David Paterson and his wife have split, ending their 19 year-long and often turbulent marriage, according to a statement by the politician’s spokesman.
Paterson and his wife, Michelle Paige Paterson, parted ways after 19 years and Paterson’s representative, Sean Darcy, stated that the split was “mutual and amicable,” according to The New York Daily News .
Michelle declined to speak about the couple’s separation on Saturday, stating that “it’s nobody’s business.” The two have both admitted to having previous affairs when the politician was suddenly put in the governor’s office back in 2008. He was elected after Eliot Spitzer resigned over a sex scandal.
David Paterson later denied further rumors that he continued to have flings while in office. A longtime friend of the former New York governor wasn’t surprised by the couple’s split, saying, “It’s been a long time coming. It’s just one of those things. It’s unfortunate, it’s tragic, you pray for them – but it’s not a surprise.”
The Huffington Post notes that David Paterson served as Lieutenant Governor under Eliot Spitzer, but was put in office after it was revealed that he was involved with prostitutes. Shortly after he took office, the couple both admitted to their previous affairs.
After briefly campaigning for another gubernatorial term, the politician dropped his bid after he was accused of interfering in a domestic violence case that involved a longtime aid.
David Paterson is currently the host of a talk show on WOR 710 AM, while his wife recently began promoting a tell-all book that reportedly includes details of the couple’s marital problems.
