Report: Sandra Bullock Learned of Affair From Tabloid

Star actress found out about husband Jesse James' affair hours before public.

ByABC News via logo
March 21, 2010, 7:20 PM

March 24, 2010— -- Sandra Bullock learned of husband Jesse James' reputed infidelity only hours before tabloids splashed the news around the world, according to a report by People magazine.

"It's a pretty terrible thing to find out in any way. Sandra learned about this from a tabloid hours before the tabloid took the story public," People's senior editor, Kate Coyne, told "Good Morning America." "To be ambushed in that way, she was completely stunned."

The star couple looked happy at the Oscars in early March, but Bullock failed to mention James in her acceptance speech for best actress, fueling media speculation that she may have known about his infidelity then. It turns out that like her adoring public, she was blissfully unaware until the tabloid magazine In Touch published the bombshell report less than two weeks ago, according to People.

"Everyone we spoke to ... made it very clear Sandra had no idea it was going on," Coyne said, citing "very close lifelong friends" of Bullock. People's report hits newstands later this week.

People also reported that Bullock and James were not seeking divorce attorneys, contrary to online reports.

James reportedly had an affair with Michelle "Bombshell" McGee, a San Diego tattoo and fetish model who, according to reports, also worked as a stripper. McGee claims to have more than a year's worth of text messages relating to the affair.

The reports came less than two weeks after Bullock's triumphant best actress Oscar win for her role in "The Blind Side."

Bullock's co-star on "The Blind Side," Quinton Aaron, told People Bullock was "picture-perfect" during filming.

"I learned so much from working with her. I don't think she was aware of any alleged marital problems and always spoke highly of her relationship with Jesse," Aaron said. "My heart goes out to her in this trying time, and I know she will overcome."