Anderson Cooper has never been legally married, meaning he does not have an ex-husband in the traditional sense. However, the term is frequently used to describe his former long-term partner, Benjamin Maisani. After nearly a decade together, the pair separated in 2018 but continue to live and co-parent their two sons as a family unit.
Clarifying the Marital Status of Anderson Cooper
Despite his high-profile career as a CNN anchor and a member of the prominent Vanderbilt family, Anderson Cooper has maintained a relatively private personal life. For many years, viewers and fans have searched for information regarding his "ex-husband," a search query rooted in the length and seriousness of his relationship with French businessman Benjamin Maisani. To be clear: Cooper and Maisani never legally wed.
The confusion often stems from the depth of their commitment. During their ten-year relationship, which spanned from approximately 2009 to 2018, they shared a home, attended high-profile events together, and were widely recognized as one of the most stable couples in the media industry. Because their partnership coincided with the national legalization of same-sex marriage in the United States (the Obergefell v. Hodges ruling in 2015), many assumed the couple had formalized their union. While they did not, their subsequent transition into co-parenting has redefined what a "family" looks like in 2026.
Who is Benjamin Maisani?
Benjamin Maisani is a French-born entrepreneur and businessman who moved to New York City in the mid-1990s. Initially pursuing an interest in the arts, he worked at the Morgan Library before transitioning into the hospitality and nightlife industry. Maisani became a well-known figure in the New York bar scene, owning several popular establishments, including Eastern Bloc and Bedlam.
Unlike Cooper, who is a household name, Maisani has historically preferred to stay out of the limelight. He rarely granted interviews and was seldom seen on Cooper’s social media during the height of their romantic involvement. This "private by nature" approach contributed to the air of mystery surrounding their relationship. Even as Cooper’s fame grew, Maisani remained focused on his business ventures, though he was a constant presence in Cooper's private life and a close confidant during the passing of Cooper’s mother, Gloria Vanderbilt, in 2019.
The Timeline of the Cooper-Maisani Relationship
Understanding the history between Anderson Cooper and Benjamin Maisani requires looking at a timeline that spans nearly two decades. Their relationship survived the pressures of international journalism, the rigors of the New York social scene, and the personal grief of family loss.
The Formative Years (2009–2014)
Cooper and Maisani began dating around 2009. At the time, Cooper had not yet officially "come out" to the public, though his orientation was an open secret in media circles. The couple was often photographed by paparazzi in Manhattan, frequently biking together or traveling internationally. In 2012, Cooper officially confirmed his identity in an email to Andrew Sullivan, stating, "The fact is, I’m gay, always have been, always will be, and I couldn’t be any more happy, comfortable with myself, and proud." This public declaration brought Maisani further into the public eye as Cooper's primary partner.
The Years of Public Visibility (2015–2017)
Following the public announcement, the two were seen more frequently at formal events. They purchased and renovated a historic 19th-century firehouse in Greenwich Village, which became their primary residence. Their relationship was characterized by a shared love for travel and fitness. However, even during this peak period of visibility, they remained tight-lipped about any plans for marriage, focusing instead on their careers and private life.
The Separation (2018)
In March 2018, Cooper’s representative released a statement confirming that the couple had split some time prior. The statement emphasized that they remained "the best of friends" and would continue to share much of their lives together. The breakup was remarkably amicable, lacking the tabloid drama often associated with high-profile separations. There were no public disputes over assets or "divorce" proceedings, primarily because they were never legally married.
| Event/Milestone | Year | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Relationship Start | c. 2009 | Cooper and Maisani began dating privately. |
| Cooper Publicly Comes Out | 2012 | Cooper confirms he is gay; Maisani is recognized as his partner. |
| Legalization of Same-Sex Marriage | 2015 | US Supreme Court rules in favor of marriage equality; the couple remains unmarried. |
| Official Separation | 2018 | A representative confirms the romantic relationship has ended. |
| Birth of Wyatt Morgan Cooper | 2020 | Cooper welcomes his first son via surrogate. |
| Birth of Sebastian Luke Maisani-Cooper | 2022 | Cooper welcomes his second son; Maisani's co-parenting role is formalized. |
| Official Adoption | 2022 | Maisani officially adopts Wyatt, and both children take the hyphenated name. |
The Transition to Co-Parenting
The most significant chapter in the Cooper-Maisani story began after their romantic separation. In April 2020, Anderson Cooper announced the birth of his first son, Wyatt Morgan Cooper. In a move that surprised many, Cooper revealed that Benjamin Maisani would be co-parenting Wyatt with him.
Cooper explained that while he and Maisani were no longer a couple, they remained family. Cooper himself grew up in a family that valued unconventional bonds, and he wanted Wyatt to have as much love and support as possible. Maisani was present for Wyatt’s birth and has lived in the same home or nearby ever since to ensure a consistent presence in the child's life.
In February 2022, the family expanded again with the birth of Sebastian Luke Maisani-Cooper. At this time, Cooper announced that Maisani was in the process of officially adopting Wyatt as well. By 2026, the two children have grown up with two doting fathers who, despite not being romantically involved, provide a stable and loving domestic environment. This arrangement has been hailed as a modern model for "platonic co-parenting," demonstrating that a legal marriage or romantic spark is not a prerequisite for successful raising of children.
Why the "Ex-Husband" Label Persists
In the era of search engines and social media, "ex-husband" is a convenient shorthand for "former long-term domestic partner." There are several reasons why this specific term continues to be applied to Benjamin Maisani:
- Duration of Relationship: A ten-year relationship often carries the same social weight as a marriage. People naturally reach for the term "husband" to describe a partner of a decade.
- Shared Assets: Cooper and Maisani owned significant real estate together, including the famous New York firehouse and a home in Connecticut. Joint property ownership is a classic hallmark of marriage.
- Parental Roles: Since they are raising children together, their bond appears more like a post-divorce co-parenting arrangement than a simple friendship between exes.
- Cultural Assumptions: Many fans equate "coming out" with a desire to marry, assuming that once Cooper was public about his orientation, he would naturally seek a legal union with his partner.
The Role of Andy Cohen in the Narrative
Another reason for the persistent questions about Anderson Cooper’s "ex-husband" or current partner involves his close friendship with Bravo host Andy Cohen. As of 2026, the two remain incredibly close, frequently appearing on television together for New Year's Eve specials and touring for their "AC2" speaking engagements.
Because both men are single fathers to young children (Cohen has a son, Ben, and a daughter, Lucy), fans have frequently speculated about a romantic connection between the two. Cooper and Cohen have consistently denied these rumors, maintaining that they are strictly "best friends" and that their children are "playdate buddies." This public friendship often creates a distraction from the reality of Cooper’s actual domestic partnership with Maisani, leading to further confusion about who is "the husband" and who is "the friend."
Privacy and Protection in the Public Eye
Anderson Cooper’s choice to keep his relationship with Maisani—and their subsequent co-parenting arrangement—out of the daily tabloids is a deliberate strategy. Influenced by his mother, Gloria Vanderbilt, who lived her entire life in the "goldfish bowl" of public scrutiny, Cooper has been protective of his family’s privacy.
By not marrying, the couple avoided the public "wedding of the century" expectations that would have followed a journalist of his stature. Similarly, by managing their separation privately before announcing it, they avoided the "divorce watch" narrative. In 2026, this approach has allowed Wyatt and Sebastian to grow up away from excessive media intrusion, with two fathers who prioritize the children’s stability over public explanations of their relationship status.
Living Arrangements as of 2026
As of the current year, 2026, the domestic arrangement between Cooper and Maisani remains a point of interest for those studying modern family dynamics. They continue to share responsibilities for their sons, Wyatt (now 6) and Sebastian (now 4). While they have occasionally lived in separate residences within the same city to maintain personal space, they spend holidays, vacations, and many daily meals together as a family.
This "nesting" or close-proximity co-parenting allows both fathers to be present for morning routines and bedtime stories. Cooper has noted in interviews that while it may seem "unusual" to some, it is the most natural thing in the world for them. Maisani has fully embraced the role of "Papa," while Cooper is "Daddy," and the children are reportedly thriving under this dual-father system.
FAQs About Anderson Cooper's Relationship History
Was Anderson Cooper ever married to a woman?
No, Anderson Cooper has never been married to a woman. While some members of his extended family lived very public lives with multiple marriages, Cooper has only had long-term relationships with men and has never entered into a legal marriage with any partner.
Why did Anderson Cooper and Benjamin Maisani break up?
The specific reasons for their 2018 split were never made public. In their official statement, they simply noted that they had separated "as partners" but remained "best friends." Sources close to the couple at the time suggested that Cooper’s intense travel schedule for CNN and Maisani’s focus on his New York businesses led them to grow apart romantically, though their emotional bond remained intact.
Is Benjamin Maisani the biological father of Anderson's children?
Anderson Cooper has not publicly disclosed the specific biological details regarding the surrogacy of Wyatt and Sebastian. However, he has made it clear that Benjamin Maisani is their legal and emotional father. Maisani has officially adopted Wyatt, and both children carry the surname Maisani-Cooper, signifying that both men have full parental rights and responsibilities.
Does Anderson Cooper have a husband in 2026?
As of 2026, Anderson Cooper is not married. He is currently single in terms of a romantic spouse, though his life is heavily centered around his children and his co-parenting relationship with Benjamin Maisani. He has often joked that he is "too tired" from parenting and his career to focus on dating.
How many children does Anderson Cooper have?
Anderson Cooper has two children. His first son, Wyatt Morgan Cooper, was born in April 2020. His second son, Sebastian Luke Maisani-Cooper, was born in February 2022. Both were born via surrogate.
Practical Takeaway: Lessons in Modern Family Structures
The story of Anderson Cooper and his "ex-husband" (partner) Benjamin Maisani is a significant example of how family structures are evolving. For those following this topic, the primary takeaway is that legal labels often fail to capture the complexity of long-term commitments.
If you are navigating similar waters—such as platonic co-parenting or maintaining a deep bond with a former partner—the Cooper-Maisani model offers several lessons:
- Prioritize the children: By keeping their separation amicable, they prevented their children from experiencing the trauma of a high-conflict household.
- Define your own terms: You do not need a marriage certificate to be a family, nor do you need a traditional divorce to move on romantically while remaining co-parents.
- Value privacy: Managing private matters away from social media can help preserve the integrity of the relationship for all parties involved.
