Nearing sixty, Anderson Cooper had already ended his relationship with Benjamin Maisani, his longtime partner, when he became a father. The two ex-couples did, however, reunite, but not in a romantic setting.
It took years before Anderson Cooper and Benjamin Maisani’s relationship was made public because they were so secretive about it. The couple’s dating history dates back to 2009.
The pair was revealed to be residing together at Anderson’s firehouse home by Daily Mail in March 2018. He later made renovations to the $4 million Manhattan, Greenwich Village home he purchased.
In March 2018, after a decade of dating, Anderson’s spokesperson confirmed that the journalist and Benjamin had separated. According to reports, the CNN anchor explained the split by saying:
“Benjamin and I separated as boyfriends some time ago. We are still family to each other, and love each other very much.”
Anderson explained that he and his ex-boyfriend remained best friends and would continue sharing their lives. During an interview with Ellen DeGeneres, the television personality revealed one of the reasons that caused them to break up.
He shared how Benjamin wasn’t sure he wanted to have children. However, Anderson didn’t wait to have another partner before working on his dream of becoming a father and fulfilling it at age 53.
In 2020, when reaching the end of his segment on CNN, Anderson revealed that his first child and son, Wyatt Morgan, had been born. He also opened up about why the milestone was especially significant for him, stating:
“As a gay kid, I never thought it would be possible to have a child.”
The star shared his gratitude for the people who paved the way for him to realize his dream. He also shared his appreciation of the nurses and doctors who took part in helping welcome his son.
Following ten years of dating, Anderson’s representative said that the journalist and Benjamin had split up in March 2018. The CNN host reportedly stated the following to explain the split:
“A while back, Benjamin and I called it quits on our relationship. We still love and care for one another as if we were family.
Anderson clarified that he would continue to share their lives and that he and his ex-boyfriend were close friends. One of the reasons behind their breakup was disclosed by the television personality in an interview with Ellen DeGeneres.
He revealed that Benjamin wasn’t certain he wanted to start a family. But Anderson didn’t wait to find a new partner to work toward and realize his 53-year-old dream of becoming a father.
At the conclusion of his CNN segment in 2020, Anderson disclosed the birth of Wyatt Morgan, his first kid. He also revealed the reason the achievement held particular significance for him, saying:
“As a gay child, I never imagined that having a child would be possible.”
The celebrity expressed his appreciation to everyone who helped him achieve his dream. He also expressed his gratitude to the medical professionals that assisted in the birth of his son.
In addition, the TV celebrity shared four photos of his infant son on Instagram. The first picture shows him tenderly nursing Wyatt. He disclosed that the boy was just three days old in the caption of the photo.
He gave an explanation of how the child’s first name matched that of his own father, who died when he was only 10 years old. The second name belonged to his mother’s side of the family, Gloria Vanderbilt, and was also favored by his parents.
Anderson claimed at the time that he had discovered a list his parents had created 52 years prior while choosing his name. At birth, Wyatt reportedly weighed 7.2 pounds and was hailed as “sweet, soft, and healthy.”
The journalist also expressed gratitude to the surrogate mother for bearing him, providing him with a loving and sensitive watch, and giving birth to the boy. He also expressed gratitude to the surrogate’s family for their help both before and after the procedure.
In closing, Anderson expressed his hope that his brother Carter, mother, and father could have seen his son grow up. But he made the decision to think they could see his child, and he saw them cuddling up to each other while grinning and laughing.
He was content that their family line will live on and that their love was still present in both Wyatt and him. Anderson learned in August 2020 that Wyatt was sleeping on an unusual schedule for a youngster who was just about four months old at the time.
The newborn was getting twelve hours of sleep every night! The CNN anchor clarified that he was receiving help from a nurse and made a joke about not knowing what she did—but she didn’t use booze or Ambien—to put the youngster to sleep so much!
Anderson had one requirement, despite having help from someone else in caring for the child. The celebrity declared that he opposed having a single parent raise his child.
In May 2020, Anderson gave an explanation for his decision to not raise his child by himself on “The Howard Stern Show.” The celebrity talked about how his mother raised him and his brother as a single parent after losing his father and how she wasn’t very paternal.
He wished there had been another adult in his life to cover that absence. Someone who occasionally offered to take him out to lunch or a ball game, or who suggested having a conversation with him; the journalist added:
“Therefore, I reasoned that I would be in favor of more people loving my son and being in his life, even if nothing bad happened to me.”
He mentioned how, if it were possible, he would want to have two parents. Ironically, because of their good relationship, he and Benjamin continued to live together in their house after their breakup.
Anderson said that things were “weird” between him and the nightclub owner. Despite his early reluctance, Benjamin eventually changed his mind and is today a wonderful co-parent to young Wyatt.
The former couple resided in the Greenwich Village firehouse that Anderson purchased and remodeled in 2009. According to the celebrity, Wyatt would likely refer to Benjamin as “Papa” whereas he would be called “Dad” or “Daddy” because he was French.
Anderson quipped that the businessman was speaking to the young child in his own tongue and that he might be manipulating Wyatt by not understanding what he was saying! But the journalist denied that the ex-couple might reconcile when asked if it would be possible.
In August 2020, Anderson talked to WSJ magazine about how becoming a father had made him realize how much life had changed. Despite being 53 at the time, he talked about how he felt like he was waiting for his real life to start.
The actor claimed that he had been concentrating on moving forward or telling a tale, but that concentrating on Wyatt brought order to the situation. The anchor for the news said, “It’s changed everything.”
Due to his night shift employment, Anderson used to wake up late as well, but after Wyatt’s arrival, he now wakes up at seven in the morning. Since his son’s awakening marked the highest point of his day, it was his objective to rise before him.
Benjamin [Maisani] and the infant [Sebastian Luke Maisani-Cooper], who weighed 6.8 lbs. at birth, would also share co-parenting duties.
When the young boy saw him, he delighted to see him stretch and smile. From the third floor, Anderson went to his son’s room on the fourth, where he waited for him to make noises to let the star know he was awake before entering to see how he was doing.
The TV celebrity stated to People magazine in June 2020 that he would be willing to grow his family in the future. But first, he needed time to get a better night’s sleep and clear his thoughts!
It would be wonderful, he thought, to have a brother or sister for Wyatt. Then, on “Anderson Cooper 360°,” in February 2022, Anderson revealed that he had welcomed Sebastian Luke Maisani-Cooper, his second son, via surrogacy!
Benjamin and the infant, who weighed 6.8 pounds at birth, would also share co-parenting duties. The celebrity also disclosed at that time that Wyatt’s last name would be changed to Maisani-Cooper and that his former partner was in the process of adopting the child.
But in December 2020, following Wyatt’s birth, Anderson acknowledged that he was “tired more than I’ve ever been.” He did, however, adore being a father and “wouldn’t change it for the world,” and he frequently broke down in tears when he saw his kid.
Husband Walks Into Hospital and Immediately Dumps Wife After Seeing Their Newborn Twins!
Here’s the article rewritten in simple language while keeping the same word count and paragraphs:
“You lied to me!” Instead of being happy about our newborn twin daughters, my husband got angry and accused me of being unfaithful. With hurtful words and a cold exit, Mark broke our family apart. Now, I’m determined to make him pay for leaving us.
I lay in the white hospital bed, feeling tired but happy. Even though my body was sore, it all felt worth it as I looked at the two beautiful baby girls resting beside me.
Midjourney
Here’s the article rewritten in simple language, maintaining the same word count, paragraph length, and removing the image sources:
The babies cooed softly, and tears of joy ran down my face. After years of trying to have children and a long, difficult pregnancy, I was finally a mom. It was the best feeling in the world!
I reached for my phone and typed a message to Mark, my husband: “They’re here. Two beautiful girls. Can’t wait for you to meet them.”
I hit send, a content smile forming on my face as I imagined his excitement.
This was supposed to be one of the happiest moments of our lives, and I never could have guessed how quickly it would turn into the worst.
A little while later, the door opened, and there he was. But instead of joy, Mark’s expression was cold — like a man walking into a meeting he didn’t want to attend.
“Hey,” I said softly, forcing a smile. “Aren’t they beautiful?”
Mark finally looked at the twins, and I saw his jaw tighten. His face showed disappointment before his lips curled in disgust.
“What is this?” he muttered, more to himself than to me.
Confusion filled me, pressing heavily against my chest. “What do you mean? They’re our daughters! What’s wrong with you, Mark?”
His gaze sharpened.
I could see the anger building up, ready to explode. And when it did, it hit like a storm.
“I’ll tell you what’s wrong: you tricked me!” he shouted. “You never told me we were having girls!”
I blinked, stunned. “Why does it matter? They’re healthy. They’re perfect!”
I reached for his hand, trying to calm him, but he yanked it away, disgust clear on his face.
“It matters a lot! This isn’t what I wanted, Lindsey! I thought we were having boys!” His voice grew louder, bouncing off the hospital walls, and I felt every word cut into me. “This family was supposed to carry on my name!”
My heart sank. “You’re serious? You’re mad because… they’re girls?”
“You’re darn right!” He stepped back like the sight of the babies made him sick. “Everyone knows only boys can carry on a legacy! You… you cheated on me, didn’t you? These can’t be mine.”
His words hit me like a punch to the gut. It felt like he knocked the air out of my lungs.
“How can you even say that?” I whispered, tears filling my eyes. “You’re really accusing me of cheating because I had daughters?”
But he was already walking toward the door, his hands clenching in anger.
“I’m not raising someone else’s kids,” he spat, his voice harsh and final. “I’m out.”
Before I could respond — before I could beg or scream or cry — he was gone. The door slammed shut behind him with a loud thud. And just like that, everything I thought I knew fell apart.
I looked down at my daughters, still in my arms, their tiny faces peaceful.
“It’s okay, sweethearts,” I whispered, though my heart felt anything but okay.
And for the first time since they were born, I started to cry.
Mark disappeared. No calls. No messages. The only news I got about him was from friends, who said he was on vacation somewhere sunny, drinking cocktails with the same guys who cheered us on at our wedding.
That’s right; he left me and went on vacation. It wasn’t just the betrayal. It was how easily he walked away, as if our life together meant nothing.
But the worst was yet to come.
I was back home, settling into a routine with the girls, when I got the first message from Mark’s mother, Sharon.
I was so relieved! Sharon was a tough woman, and I believed Mark would change his mind if his mother supported me.
My hands shook as I played Sharon’s voicemail. Her words were harsh and cruel.
“You ruined everything,” Sharon said angrily. “Mark deserved sons. How could you do this to him? To our family? How could you betray my son like this?”
I was so shocked, I dropped my phone. Her words cut deeper than anything Mark had said. To them, I hadn’t just given birth to daughters — I had failed. And they wanted me to pay for it.
I stared at my phone, trying to process this new attack.
Then my phone started ringing again. It was Sharon. I let it ring and watched as another voicemail notification popped up.
Then the texts started. Each message was more hurtful than the last. Sharon called me every name you can think of, blaming me for cheating on Mark, for having daughters, for not being a good wife… it just went on and on.
Mark’s entire family had turned against me. I was completely alone.
I tried to stay strong, but at night, the nursery became both my safe place and my prison. I’d sit in the rocking chair, holding my daughters close, whispering promises I wasn’t sure I could keep.
“I’ll protect you,” I said softly, the words as much for me as for them. “We’ll be okay. Everything will turn out just fine, you’ll see.”
But some nights, I wasn’t so sure. Sometimes, the loneliness and fear were so heavy that I thought I might break.
One night, I found myself crying as I fed the girls. It all felt like too much.
“I can’t do this anymore,” I sobbed. “It’s too hard. I can’t keep waiting…”
And then it hit me. I’d been waiting for Mark to come back and realize his mistake, but he hadn’t done anything to make me believe that would ever happen. He hadn’t even called.
I looked down at my girls and knew it was time to stand up for them and for myself.
A lawyer gave me my first bit of hope.
“With Mark’s abandonment,” she said thoughtfully, “you have a strong case. Full custody. Child support. We’ll handle visitation on your terms.”
Her words were like a lifeline. Finally, I had some control and something to fight for. And I wasn’t stopping there.
Mark wanted out? Fine. I was more than happy to divorce him, but he wouldn’t get away so easily.
I created a new social media profile, carefully sharing the story I wanted people to see.
Post after post showed my daughters’ milestones: tiny hands grabbing toys, their first smiles, and giggles. Each photo showed a piece of our happy life, and every caption carried a clear message: Mark wasn’t part of it.
Friends shared my posts, family left comments, and soon, everyone knew. Mark might have left, but I was building something beautiful without him.
The open house was my final stand. I invited everyone. The only person not welcome was Mark. I even made sure the invitation said so.
On the big day, the house was full of warmth and laughter. The twins wore matching outfits with tiny bows in their hair. Guests couldn’t stop admiring how adorable they were.
Then the door burst open, and there was Mark, angry and wild-eyed. The room fell silent.
“What is this?” he shouted. “You’ve turned everyone against me!”
I stood, my heart racing but steady. “You left us, Mark, because you didn’t want daughters. That was your choice.”
“You robbed me of my chance to pass down my legacy!” he shot back, his eyes filled with rage.
“You’re not welcome here,” I said, my voice calm. “We don’t need a man like you in our family. This is our life now.”
My friends stood beside me, their presence silent but strong. Defeated, Mark turned and stormed out, slamming the door behind him.
Weeks later, Mark received the court papers detailing the child support, custody, and visitation arrangements. He couldn’t escape. He’d still have to face the responsibility of being a father, even if he wasn’t going to be a dad.
Sharon’s final message came later — maybe an apology, maybe more anger. It didn’t matter. I deleted it without listening.
I was done with their family and done with the past.
That night, as I rocked my daughters, the future stretched out before us — bright, open, and ours alone.
Leave a Reply