Public Divorces Can Be Nasty
Several newspapers in South Carolina have run an article today about former Lt. Gov. Bob Peeler's divorce and its fallout. This article attempts to detail the factors that led to the Peelers' separation, which included fault ground allegations made by both parties.
I have previously blogged as to my thoughts on what the public does / does not have a right to know about an individual's private Family Court litigation. Divorces can be difficult enough on the parties involved without having the media making things worse by publishing sordid details about their personal lives. Apparently, the former Lt. Gov. agrees with me, as he said "it's a private matter" and "divorces happen sometimes."
Should this be the rule, or are exceptions warranted? I believe that the Peeler situation may justify a different standard in certain cases. For instance, Mr. Peeler is a former public official (a staunch conservative), who in his unsuccessful campaign for Governor touted his "Foundations for Our Future" plan and said he would create the Commission on Marriage and the Family to promote marriage, responsible fatherhood and abstinence education. Perhaps the fact that his alleged conduct in his personal life directly contradicted his public policies makes this story newsworthy.
However, the article goes further and inquires as to whether there has been an abuse of power by Mr. Peeler toward his alleged paramour's husband. The former Lt. Governor apparently filed reports with the State Law Enforcement Division against his alleged paramour's husband and the husband's private investigator. These allegations led to the alleged paramour losing his credentials as a state constable and the private investigator still being under investigation.
Divorces are often highly emotional times for all parties involved. I have to wonder if the media realizes the damage that it can do by allowing itself to be used to further the personal agenda of divorce litigants, their alleged paramours, or other associated with these cases. Do we want our newspapers becoming The Local Enquirer? Inquiring minds want to know. I don't.
