Jul 29th, 2007
Esera and Partner split, gossip columnist reports
Sadly, the StarTribune’s gossip columnist C.J. is not just passing along a rumor. Her column today includes confirmation from Esera Tuaolo’s partner Mitchell Wherley that they are indeed no longer a couple. “I think we just grew apart,” says Wherley.
The kids are all right in Tuaolo-Wherley breakup
By C.J., Star Tribune
My heart goes out to these men and their kids. Their family has been under the media microscope — in this case by choice, fortunately — ever since Esera’s highly exposed coming-out under the guidance of PR-guru Howard Bragman in 2002. Getting lots of attention for being a gay family when you are trying to raise kids is difficult. Getting lots of attention for being a gay family when you are trying to endure a divorce is even more difficult. Support that poured in from “the community” when a high-profile couple is together all but dries up when a break up is announced.
Now what? How does Esera, who has told his story countless times about his chance to finally realize the American dream — with the kids, the husband and the white picket fence — move forward while staying in the public eye? Or does he? Those questions are on hold for a while as they focus on what matters most: the children.
Mitchell Wherley says that their twins, Mitchell Jr. and Michele will continue to have quality time with both of them.
Says Wherley:
[Tuaolo] travels a lot; it’s not a huge change for them…We are going to share. It’s kind of like any other couple when they are going through a divorce or split up. We’ve been really good with each other, and we’re really just sharing their time. So far, so good.
Gossip columnists are inherently annoying. Gossip columnists in markets hardly big enough to have enough “celebrity gossip” to justify such a column are extra annoying. Which is why I must eat crow in this instance to say this: C.J. did right by this family. She resisted the temptation to allude to a juicy drama-filled angle and instead framed it within the context of concern for a family dealing with life-changing news.
I know. Me, showing reverence for C.J.
I can’t believe it either.
C.J.: I doubt this is the last you have to say about Tuaolo and Wherley. Don’t make me regret this post.
===
Related links:
My interview with Esera Tuaolo for This Way Out, March 2006.
Blog post: “Famous Massachusetts Moms Separate”