Return to Transcripts main page

CNN Live At Daybreak

Giuliani and Estranged Wife Finalize Divorce Case in Private

Aired July 11, 2002 - 05:55   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
CAROL COSTELLO, CNN ANCHOR: You're looking at New York City this morning. Talking about New York City, the famous ex-mayor and his estranged wife have finalized their infamous divorce case in private. Rudy Giuliani is shelling out a lot of money to the ex-Mrs.

We get details from Jason Carroll.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

JASON CARROLL, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): He's been called America's mayor. He was "Time" magazine's Man of the Year. He's a post-9/11 hero to many. But to his now ex-wife Donna Hanover, New York City's former mayor, Rudy Giuliani, was cruel and inhuman for having an open affair with companion Judith Nathan and before that a secret affair with a staff member, a few of the allegations revealed during a messy, drawn out divorce battle, which finally ended in a settlement on Wednesday.

RUDY GIULIANI, FORMER NEW YORK MAYOR: For the sake of the children and really all of us, I'm relieved that we were able to reach an agreement.

CARROLL: Before September 11, this story was THE story in New York City, the headlines revealing each new allegation. The public sparring beginning when Giuliani held a press conference announcing his marriage was in trouble.

GIULIANI: For quite some time it's probably been apparent that Donna and I lead, in many ways, independent and separate lives.

DONNA HANOVER, GIULIANI'S EX-WIFE: Today's turn of events brings me great sadness. I had hoped to keep this marriage together. For several years, it was difficult to participate in Rudy's public life because of his relationship with one staff member.

CARROLL: There were ugly accusations on both sides. Giuliani also claiming cruel and unusual treatment by Hanover during their marriage, especially while he was suffering from prostate cancer. The two also bickered over money. Giuliani expected to take in $8 million in book deals and consulting fees. New York papers reporting Hanover was asking for more than $70,000 a month in spousal support.

HELENE BREZINSKY, ATTORNEY FOR DONNA HANOVER: Rudy has admitted that he was cruel and inhuman. The children will be with, will remain with Donna. He will be paying her more than $6.8 million.

QUESTION: I'm sorry, could you say that again?

BREZINSKY: He will be paying her more than $6.8 million. This is a spectacular win for Donna and the children.

CARROLL: A spokeswoman for Giuliani telling CNN he'd never admitted to being cruel and inhuman. Hanover left the courthouse without commenting.

(on camera): The judge who presided over this case for the past 18 months said it was remarkably challenging dealing with such "intensely strong personalities." She wished them both the best of luck and told them that she hoped they did not end up in her courtroom again.

Jason Carroll, CNN, New York.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com