Being Mr. Bullock: Too Much for Jesse James?

March 19, 2010 — -- Just weeks after Sandra Bullock reached the pinnacle of her career with an Oscar, her personal life has crumbled, leaving some to wonder whether her star was too bright for her lesser-known husband.

Bullock has remained silent since a tattooed model professed to have had an 11-month affair with Jesse James, Bullock's husband of six years. James, by contrast, apologized publicly to his wife in a statement.

"The vast majority of the allegations reported are untrue and unfounded," James wrote. "Beyond that, I will not dignify these private matters with any further public comment. There is only one person to blame for this whole situation, and that is me. It's because of my poor judgment that I deserve everything bad that is coming my way. This has caused my wife and kids pain and embarrassment beyond comprehension and I am extremely saddened to have brought this on them."

The outpouring of support for Bullock, 45, has been overwhelming, with friends, fans and other Hollywood stars singing her praises and sending their condolences.

"I just feel so bad for her," ABC News' Barbara Walters said on "The View." "She finally trusted a relationship and then this happened."

Bullock has since pulled out of next week's London premiere of the movie "citing unforeseen personal reasons," for which she won the best actress Academy Award earlier this month. And the London premiere of "Blindside" has since been canceled.

"Her friends are furious at him," People magazine managing editor Larry Hackett told "Good Morning America," calling details of the split "absolutely shocking." "You couldn't script something like this," he said.

Relationship expert and family therapist Terry Real theorized that James may have strayed when Bullock's fame began its stratospheric rise.

"A lot of men don't like being Mr. Bullock," he said. "It's extremely difficult for a man to be connected to somebody as powerful is and as celebrated as Ms. Bullock is."

Bullock's rep did not respond to requests for comment.

Actress Kirstie Alley told "Good Morning America" that the split shouldn't be played out in the public spotlight.

"It might not be easy," she said of being Mr. Bullock, "but I feel like it's their business."

"I don't know why he's apologizing to the world," she said.

Model Michelle McGee, who had hoped to work for James' company, West Coast Choppers, alleges that she had an affair with James in an interview with In Touch magazine, much of which occurred while Bullock, 45, was filming "The Blind Side."