Christie Brinkley's Divorce Trial to Be Open to the Public, Per HER Request

Christie Brinkley's estranged husband, Peter Cook, requested that their upcoming divorce trial be closed to the public. This request was joined by the children's guardian ad litem, but opposed by Christie. Courtrooms, including family courtrooms, are generally not sealed unless a party can prove compelling reasons to do so.

The judge decided to keep the courtroom 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."

"Obviously, like any father, Peter is disappointed Christie Brinkley has invited their children to attend the divorce trial," said his attorney. "Why would anyone be happy about that? It's putting herself in front of her children."

At first, I was surprised Christie would want her children's father dragged through the mud in the public eye, she always seemed well, classier than that. And think about what this will do to their kids. But then I realized what this really was, a settlement ploy. He doesn't want all of his nasty, dirty business, including porn and an affair with an 18 year old assistant, out there. If he knows it is going to be, this may induce him to settle. This was clear from Christie's statement, "I still remain hopeful that these matters can be resolved privately."

Christie's lawyer, Robert Stephan Cohen, said, "The reality is he put himself way in front of his children and his wife when he made the awful decision to destroy the marriage. The trial will get at the truth, which is very important to Christie."

source