Marianne Gingrich

Newt Gingrich Slams Open Marriage Allegations: 'This Story is False'

January 20, 2012 Politix

After his ex-wife told ABC News that Newt Gingrich wanted an open marriage, the presidential hopeful opened the GOP debate Thursday with a sharp denial, including an attack on the press. Gingrich insisted, "Let me be quite clear. This story is false. Every personal friend I have who knew us in that period says the story was false."

He continued, "I think the destructive, vicious, negative nature of much of the news media makes it harder to govern this country, harder to attract descent people to run for public office. And I am appalled that you would begin a presidential debate on a topic like that."

Newt Gingrich's Ex-Wife Blasts Him, Says He Wanted Open Marriage

January 19, 2012 Politix

Presidential candidate Newt Gingrich's second wife, Marianne, told ABC News her ex-husband wanted an open marriage and that he lacks the "moral character" to serve as leader of this country. "He was asking to have an open marriage and I refused," she told ABC Chief Investigative Correspondent Brian Ross.

Marianne, who was married to the former House Speaker for 18 years, revealed Gingrich wanted to share her with the other woman (and current wife), Callista. Marianne claimed Newt wanted both a wife and mistress, and recalled having the unpleasant conversation with him. "And I just stared at him and he said, 'Callista doesn't care what I do.'"