A Contestant of the ‘Marriage Ref’ blames Jerry Seinfeld for his divorce Jerry Seinfeld, best known for his hit television Seinfeld, which aired on NBC from July 5, 1989, to July 14, 1998, and who now hosts his own reality television show, The Marriage Ref, has apparently been blamed for wrecking the marriage of a recent contestant.
According to news sources, Howie Kohlenberg, 47, appeared on the show’s debut episode last year with his wife, Christine. The couple had hoped to salvage their relationship, but Kohlenberg claims that after the show their marriage crumbled.
The Marriage Ref which first aired on NBC on February 28, 2010, allows a panel of hosts, or rotating celebrities, to evaluate married couple’s disputes. The celebrities generally view video clips of both sides of the marital dispute, make observations (attempting to be humorous) and then vote on which spouse should win the argument.
Changes have been made for the second season which puts the couple live in the studio. The studio audience will also have a vote to decide who is the “rightest” and the winner of the vote will receive $25,000 and a billboard in their hometown declaring they won the argument.
Howie Kohlenberg appeared on the show with his wife, attempting to reconcile. They discussed their relationship with the celebrity panel (Jerry Seinfeld, Eva Longoria and Tina Fey). After the show Kohlenberg claims that the executive producer and Seinfeld did not help resolve his marital disputes but rather fueled the breakdown of his relationship.
Kohlenberg has gone on the offensive claiming that Jerry Seinfeld ruined his life and warning other reality contestants that there are real dangers from reality shows. He claims to have been told by Jerry Seinfeld and company that he would wake up and be a star, he could be famous and make money but that was far from the reality of his experience.
Kohlenberg admits his marriage was not perfect but “it put it in a whole new direction. It was the nail in the coffin. Everybody thinks reality shows are glamorous — you’re going to get rich, and it’s going to be the next ‘Jersey Shore.’ They make you jump through hoops. The bottom line is they don’t give a s—. You’re just another number.”
What does Jerry Seinfeld think? According to the New York Daily News, he loves it! “I love it, I love, I love it! When people get upset I enjoy it. That he’s having problems, and blaming me … anything that alleviates the withering, blithering boredom of existence I’m in favor of.”
Filing for Divorce
Maybe you are like Kohlenberg and realize your partner is not committed to your marriage. If you have attempted reconciliation and all of your attempts have failed, you may need to seek legal counsel.
Divorce lawyers understand the complexities of the divorce process and can review your situation and help you determine if divorce is right for you. Complicated divorce issues such as child support, child custody, spousal support and property distribution can differ by state. Find out how your state laws can affect your divorce and make sure you and your family are protected in the divorce process.