Kristi Noem divorce: Bryon saddened by painful 34-year split
Bryon Noem is “saddened” by the Kristi Noem divorce and hopes the couple can end their 34-year marriage privately and amicably, his attorney, Tim Bottum, said in a statement published Sept. 30, The Associated Press reported.
“Bryon is saddened that the marriage is ending,” Bottum said in the statement, “and hopes for a private and amicable resolution.” The statement was first published by TMZ, E! News reported.
Inside the Kristi Noem divorce filing
Kristi Noem, 54, the former U.S. Homeland Security secretary and former governor of South Dakota, is seeking the divorce in Hamlin County, South Dakota. The complaint lists “irreconcilable differences” as the grounds, according to the AP.
The AP reported that the filing was submitted to the court in April but posted online Monday, Sept. 28. Kristi Noem’s attorney, Michael Sabers, confirmed the filing and said she would save further comment for the legal process.
The Kristi Noem divorce ends a marriage that began in May 1992. They have three adult children: daughters Kassidy, 32, and Kennedy, 29, and son Booker, 24, according to E! News.
Bryon Noem’s statement
Bottum said Bryon Noem, 56, would welcome a chance to tell his side if the Kristi Noem divorce case goes to court. “If court proceedings become necessary, Bryon will welcome the opportunity to truthfully share his perspective,” the statement said, according to E! News.
“Bryon’s priority is to protect the family and move forward as loving parents and grandparents,” Bottum added.
The attorney’s comments came months after the Daily Mail published photos on March 31 that appeared to show Bryon Noem wearing women’s clothing, E! News reported. At the time, a representative for Kristi Noem told the New York Post that the family “was blindsided by this” and asked for privacy.
The Kristi Noem divorce follows a turbulent year
President Donald Trump fired Kristi Noem as Homeland Security secretary March 5 after months of controversy, including the fatal shootings of two U.S. citizens by federal officers in Minneapolis and questions about a $220 million advertising contract, Reuters reported. Trump named then-Sen. Markwayne Mullin of Oklahoma to replace her.
During congressional hearings that week, Rep. Sydney Kamlager-Dove, a California Democrat, asked Kristi Noem whether she had a sexual relationship with her top adviser, Corey Lewandowski. Both are married. Noem called the question “tabloid garbage,” Reuters reported, and denied the allegation, according to the AP.
What’s next
No hearing dates in the Kristi Noem divorce case have been made public. Both attorneys have said they intend to handle the matter through the court process.
For more celebrity news, see our Daily Drop pop culture roundup, our look back at the Michael Landon affair scandal and the latest in celebrities and pop culture.