July 20, 2017

In 1996, Mary Kay Letourneau and Vili Fualaau relationship made headlines for weeks as the public followed the highly publicized sexual relationship between the teacher and her student. The couple has now  announced their separation.

At the time, Vili was a 12-year-old student while Mary Kay was a 34-year-old married teacher with her own family and children. She was eventually convicted and sentenced to prison as a result of the relationship. Despite orders to stay apart, their relationship lasted through Mary Kay’s seven-and-a-half-year prison sentence. During said sentence, Mary Kay fathered two children by Vili. They married in 2005.

As the pair celebrated their tenth anniversary, Barbara Walters interviewed the family. Vili described that period in his life as challenging and emphasized the lack of support he received. He mentioned that his friends were young and lacked any understanding of  how to parent. He appeared to have little if any adult support.

Mary Kay spoke of how their marriage was forever blemished because of the way the relationship began, yet she indicated that there was more depth to their relationship. She explained that she did not know if they would ever truly recover from the damage the media did to their relationship. She admitted that the story was huge and that it took on a life of its own. Even so, she emphasized that they have their own personal story that differs from that portrayed by the media.

Now, after more than two decades of continued national media attention, a prison sentence, and raising two children, the famous couple has separated. Further reports indicate that Vili and Mary Kay are still committed to being good parents to their two children, Audrey, 19, and Georgia, 18. However, an amended report stated that Vili only separated so that he could pass a background test for a new business venture. Vili told the media that their relationship is fine.

Despite the best efforts of couples, marriages sometimes cannot withstand the pressure of internal and external factors. If you are facing a  divorce , Orange County divorce lawyer Larry Bellomo can provide you with guidance to ensure that your rights are protected. Contact us today.