Gumbel Divorce Based on Adultery

Jan. 25, 2001 -- Bryant Gumbel has agreed to allow his adultery to be the grounds for divorce from his wife of 27 years, effectively moving the couple's bitter proceedings to a negotiable level.

June Gumbel's attorney, who claimed he could have proved that the Early Show host had had affairs "50 times over," said he promised Gumbel a "quick divorce" if he agreed to the adultery charge, syndicated columnist Jeannie Williams reports. Attorney Barry Slotnick said Mrs. Gumbel is seeking $10 million (a cool half of her husband's reported total worth) and $1.5 million in annual payments.

The news anchor has been tight with his cash flow, according to Slotnick, who previously alleged that Gumbel paid his wife and their two children just $250 a month in support, causing his client to tap into her own savings.

June has called her husband a "serial adulterer." Gumbel's attorney, Stanley Arkin, dismissed claims of the host's prolific affairs as "stupid gossip."

The morning host now lives in New York City with his girlfriend, Hilary Quinlan, Williams notes. He reportedly makes $7 million a year for his TV gig.