I don't really understand the benefit of publicity to any of the parties...? I don't know all the details, but would really hope that she's putting her children's interests ahead of her own.

I can think of a couple of celebrity divorces that were sealed, and the rumors that persisted about what was in the records. Tabloids were going to follow this divorce anyway, keeping it open does do away with ugly rumors that no one can confirm or deny. The time to protect the kids was during the marriage, when the adults should have controlled their own behavior so the children wouldn't have this thrown in their faces.

That guy's beastly behavior merits publicity. He cheated on his wife, jeopardized his family's future and exposed his own children to shame and ridicule. The community should hold him in contempt for his behavior. He had a public marriage, now he gets a public divorce.

I can understand her side definitely, but I do feel for the kids finding out all this about their father. It must be so gut wrenching for all involved.

Just Oh-

Do the kids get public counseling?

I don't judge her for one moment for wanting to out his abhorrent behavior. A woman is still a woman, even if she has kids.

I always feel bad for the kids in these things. No kid needs to know this about their parents.

I can completely see her wanting to do this, I'd be angry too. I just think that divorces should be kept private or at least not publicized so greatly. Despite all the crap my x put me through I've never publicly talked bad about him, I've never demonized him to anyone. I just think that the adults in a divorce should act like adults and do the right thing for all involved. Who cares if rumors spread? People believe what they want to anyway, even when the truth is told so what does it matter? It's none of anyone's business. Too much is made public these days and this is one of those situations.

I think what I would do, and someone in her place is two different things. This way if the public ie reporters want to know it is set and done. I would think this would mean not having to constantly go over the details .
Also if she did want to mention them it is not like they can not be already proved. As far as the kids they went through it and it is terrible , be it public or not I think talking to someone is a given.

This divorce has been a circus and I can't imagine being her and wanting my children to go through this. No matter how mad I am at him, my children would come first. It seems petty to. I don't know...I just think if a man can get away with so much what kind of a wife were you to begin with. It makes you look stupid and you should be humiliated, which she may be, but airing his faults only highlights hers. When her daughter with Billy Joel said Peter was abusive towards of her what kind of woman doesn't pack his bags right then and there, send him on his way? I just don't agree with her choice in this day and age with the media the way it is. Bad move on her part.

I would sacrifice pride.

As for me, privacy is very, very important to me. In fact, in some ways, in my life, I've chose privacy over pride. It's the right decision for me.

I'm with LoveAngelina all the way. Well said. She's just making herself look horrible.

Speculation is one thing but I do not understand the push for these things to be made public. I am sure she is hurt but I would never put this out there for my children to see. It doesn't change anything and make her look spiteful. Children should come before your pride.

I saw Christie Brinkley in tears before the a day of the trial and her only statement to the press was how badly she wished they could have settled this out of court. I have a lot of respect for Ms. Brinkley and from the look on her face, I really do not think she wanted all this to be public unless it was absolutely necessary. Unfortunately, her kids will probably find out either way, and it may be Peter Cook's refusal to work with her to lead to this. Sometimes you can't protect your children from things even if you want to. Sad situation--I feel for all involved.

Twist--Unknown whether these particular children need counseling, but they most likely wouldn't need counseling if their father hadn't acted like a degenerate. Men and women need to take that toll into consideration when they make decisions. There would be less behavior of this sort if society held people accountable. Its very sad all around.

The things that Peter Cook and his attorney said about Christie Brinkley, and the demise of a marriage in general are so disgusting, that I think in a way it was good she did this publicly. The man and his attorney are clearly arrogant and uncooperative. I think it goes beyond porn, it really just shows how little respect he had for her and his family. It really stinks for the kids, I agree, but their dad is a sh*thead either way, a fact that they probably will realize. Maybe it is embarrassing to them, but it shouldn't be, it isn't their fault, and hopefully a good therapist will help them understand this.