High Profile People & Divorce: Russell Wilson's Personal Story Made Public

In April, Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson issued a brief statement about his plans for divorce through his football team. Wilson stated simply that his decision to divorce his wife of two years was difficult and requested “prayers, understanding, and privacy” from his fans.

Wilson's divorce, like any other divorce, is a personal matter, but that didn't stop fans and media from continually talking about the split and speculating the reasons behind it. Because Wilson has established an image of a level-headed athlete with family and Christian values, many media sources and fans were shocked. Social media posts made by Wilson leading up to the divorce announcement still made it seem as though he and his wife were on good terms. As Wilson didn't state a reason for the divorce, however, many began to gossip and share their suspicions, which ranged from money issues to infidelity.

These elements, combined with Wilson's superstar status, made his divorce saga one of the most widely read stories in print, television, and on the internet. One reporter from The Seattle Times even wrote an article stating how uncomfortable it was to write on someone else's personal affairs. Still, because Wilson was such a large star – especially in Seattle – people wanted to read about it. The divorce was newsworthy.

It is interesting to note just how much coverage celebrity divorces attract. Type in the word “divorce” on an internet search and you're likely to see numerous stories about celebrities and high profile people dissolving their marriages. What's important to remember, however, is that these media blurbs are also personal stories; stories that prove these stars are human just like everyone else. Wilson values his privacy and has remained largely silent about the divorce. The media and fans, on the other hand, keep going.

At McKinley Irvin, our Washington divorce attorneys understand the importance of privacy in all cases, not just high profile divorces. Our legal team always focuses on keeping matters with our clients confidential, and to help them through these tough times. If you have questions about divorce and would like to request a consultation, contact us today.