Womanizing Salman Rushdie proposed marriage to stunning Michelle Barish just two days after she split with billionaire Steve Tisch.
The literary lothario, whose dating and dumping of socialite Devorah Rose made headlines last week, has been besotted with beautiful Barish for years, sources tell us.
Rushdie, who was dating Barish until March, was distraught when we revealed she was dating “Forrest Gump” producer Tisch, whose family owns the Giants and Loews Hotels.
Tisch and Barish, the soon to be ex-wife of entrepreneur Chris Barish, were set up by friends in August. Tisch threw her a birthday party at the Gramercy Park Hotel on Nov 29. Despite Barish telling us that Tisch was “the most amazing man I’ve ever met,” they ended their relationship the night of the party, according to The Daily’s Richard Johnson.
We’re told that Rushdie showed up to Michelle’s party uninvited, was “very emotional” to see her with Tisch, and “left many of the guests feeling uncomfortable.”
Upon learning she and Tisch had split, Rushdie wasted no time in asking the flame-haired beauty to be wife No. 5. A source told us, “Salman is besotted. He asked her within 48 hours of her breakup to marry him. He even has a ring.” Rushdie didn’t get back to us.
Unfortunately, Michelle is not yet divorced. Don Schuck, lawyer for Chris Barish, told us, “Perhaps Michelle’s current suitor may not be aware that the divorce is not yet final. The parties are working towards a settlement.”
Chris, who has a daughter, Bee, 3, with Michelle, questions the timing of Rushdie’s advances. He told us, “Michelle is a wonderful mother, and we’re good friends. I know she will make the best decision for her and our child.”
Michelle is in Florida with Bee, and thinking about Rushdie’s offer. A friend said, “She is still in love with Steve, she needs some time and space.” Michelle declined to comment.