Christie Brinkley details discovering her then-husband Peter Cook was having an affair in her new memoir, "Uptown Girl." The revelation came during a public event in 2006.
According to Brinkley, she learned of the affair while giving a graduation speech at Southampton High School. A man approached her and stated Cook was involved with his teenage daughter.
Brinkley writes that she froze upon hearing the news. She looked into the audience and saw Cook shaking his head "no," which she interpreted as confirmation of guilt.
The model describes her relationship with Cook as her "most tortured." Following the public disclosure, she began collecting evidence, including emails and photos, with the help of friends.
The couple’s divorce was finalized in 2008, but Brinkley writes that a six-year court battle ensued, primarily concerning custody of their children, Jack and Sailor. She noted a prenup did not prevent the prolonged dispute.
Peter Cook appeared on TODAY in 2012 to address Brinkley's public comments, denying harassment claims and calling her a liar, although he admitted to being a narcissist.
Brinkley also has a daughter, Alexa Ray, from a previous marriage to Billy Joel, which she writes ended due to Joel's drinking.
She credits her children with providing strength during the difficult period after the affair and subsequent divorce.
In her memoir, Brinkley states, "One thing I've learned in life is that you always have to be able to laugh, no matter how bad things become."