Andrew Silverman — the cuckolded ex of Simon Cowell’s baby-mama, Lauren — is speaking publicly for the first time since his cheating wife ran away with the former “X Factor” judge, calling the ordeal “a very difficult time in my life,” but adding, “I learned a lot.”
“I am a regular person, not a tabloid thing. It was a fascinating experience, unexpected and shocking,’’ real-estate entrepreneur Silverman, 37, told the New York Observer.
“Being in the public spotlight is not something I envy. It’s never been my way,’’ added the Manhattan businessman, who was pals with the 54-year-old Cowell before the British celebrity became involved with Silverman’s then-wife Lauren, 36.
“I learned a lot about myself . . . the importance of family. My focus has been on my son throughout the whole ordeal,’’ said Silverman, who has an 8-year-old, Adam, with Lauren.
Lauren gave birth to Cowell’s son, Eric, on Valentine’s Day, and the new parents have been spotted recently living it up in LA and Miami.
But unlike publicity-loving Cowell, Silverman says he’s actively avoided the limelight. “Privacy has tremendous value. I’ve tried to be as quiet as possible, even though everyone wants to hear about this hoopla . . . I just wanted to refocus on what I do,” he said.
Of his ex, Silverman said, “I think for both of us, making sure our son has a normal environment is the primary focus.” Andrew and Lauren share custody of Adam.
But Silverman’s brother and business partner, Alex, who stood by Andrew during the ordeal, was more outspoken about his former sister-in-law. “I think a lot of people tried to paint a poor picture of my brother,” he told the Observer, adding, “You can’t take someone who has very poor roots and turn them into a golden child, but that’s what the media tried to do — to turn his ex-wife into a great person to benefit a celebrity.” He said Andrew “has moved on with his life . . . I give [him] a lot of credit for everything he went through . . . he was able to keep his mind focused despite what was going on.”