Lauren Silverman, who is expecting Simon Cowell’s baby, was accused of being a “gold digger” on Thursday.
New York socialite Lauren Silverman, 36, has allegedly issued Simon Cowell with a string of outrageous demands, telling him she wants marriage and her own reality TV show before she will allow him access to the child.
Lauren Silverman smiled for the cameras as she made her first public appearance since news of the unplanned pregnancy broke on Wednesday morning.
In an official statement later that day, Lauren Silverman said: “I am committed to sorting things out with Andrew as amicably as possible to ensure the well-being of our son. I would hope for some space and privacy in order to work through this.”
Her lawyers, Robert Cohen and Bernard Clair of Cohen Clair Lans Greifer & Thorpe LLP, added: “We are working to resolve this situation in a fair and reasonable way that protects the best interests of our client and her son.”
Her husband, Andrew Silverman stated: “My top priority is protecting my seven year old son while working to resolve all outstanding issues with my wife. Hopefully people can respect the interest of our child during this process.”
Lauren Silverman had been holed up with her mother Carole and son Adam at the $4 million family home in the Hamptons, New York.
The socialite, who is said to be ten weeks pregnant with Simon Cowell, emerged to walk her son to his school bus wearing a white linen blouse which seemed to hint at a slight bump underneath.
She later stepped out in a black clinging linen dress.
Meanwhile Simon Cowell, 53, faced the press for the first time since the news broke at a television studio 2,500 miles away in Los Angeles.
The music mogul refused to answer questions about the baby at an ill-timed X Factor press conference, instead calling the matter “private” and insisting the matter was “sensitive”.
It has emerged that Andrew Silverman has cited Simon Cowell in divorce papers.
The move, clearly designed to embarrass Simon Cowell, could potentially force him to reveal details of the alleged affair in court.
Lauren Silverman is accused in the papers of adultery with Simon Cowell and of being “cruel and inhuman” towards her husband.
And a friend claimed that the Silvermans were far from being an “estranged couple”, as has been suggested.
It is claimed that Andrew Silverman, a real-estate developer and millionaire casino owner, recently upgraded his wife’s engagement ring with a ten-carat diamond.
Yesterday Lauren Silverman was accused of issuing Simon Cowell with a string of demands – but the claims made against her are alleged to have come from Cowell’s supporters, so could be designed to win favor for the multi-millionaire.
A source claimed: “Lauren is now going around telling people that she will be in charge of all his [Simon Cowell’s] properties around the world and has demanded a country home in the Cotswolds.”
She has also threatened not to allow him access to the child unless he marries her.
“Lauren has also started to push Simon to turn her into a reality TV star. She wants her own show like the Kardashians and has already apparently started filming the pregnancy.
“Simon is horrified and has said no. He [Simon Cowell] is already talking about creating separate baby wings in all his homes for Lauren and the baby.
“His mansions are huge and he will effectively be allowed to carry on with his own life without disruption.
“He has no problems looking after his heir apparent – that is all he is interested in and he will ensure Lauren has a roof over her head in order to raise his child.”
Others around Simon Cowell, who is believed to be worth $350 million, claimed a wedding was not on the cards.
One said: “Simon does NOT, NOT, NOT plan to get married to her [Lauren Silverman]. Simon is gearing up for a potentially ugly child support battle.
“He tried desperately to reach an agreement with Lauren before it went public but she surprised Simon and leaked the news.
“Simon was hoping to reach a financial agreement with her and then release a joint statement but Lauren is savvy and wants to be famous and when he refused her opening demands for marriage she leaked it.”
Simon Cowell and Lauren Silverman are said to have first met on holiday in Barbados around seven years ago, and struck up a relationship around 12 months ago.
Even his closest friends were unaware that they were seeing one another.
Simon Cowell could be hauled in front of a US court to give evidence about his affair with his former friend’s wife after being listed on court papers as co-respondent.
Lauren Silverman posted a picture of them together to her Instagram page cuddled up together during a holiday.
Along with the picture she wrote: “Me and my lil Simey monster #simoncowell x.”
Andrew Silverman, 37, is understood to have learned his wife was expecting Simon Cowell’s baby only last month. He filed the papers at Manhattan’s Supreme Court on July 15.
New York is a no-fault divorce state, meaning that couples do not need a reason to end their marriage.
But Andrew Silverman is said to feel so betrayed by his wife and his long-term friend that he has filed for a divorce on the grounds of adultery in an attempt to shame the pair in public.
This is heavily discouraged by lawyers because of the huge costs and the often bitter fallout it causes between couples.
Under US law, Andrew Silverman is required to prove his wife’s infidelity, even if she and Simon Cowell admit to the affair. It means Simon Cowell would have to reveal evidence of his meetings with Lauren Silverman, such as hotel receipts and text messages.
Simon Cowell would also have to take a paternity test to show whether or not the baby was his. If adultery is proved, he will be asked to foot Andrew Silverman’s legal bills, which could come to more than $300,000.
According to new reports, Simon Cowell is now worried about the sponsorship deals he has for his various shows.
