Kelsey Grammer is fighting back after reports surfaced that not calling his children on Father’s Day led to the split with estranged wife Camille Grammer.
“When faced with malicious and unfounded rumors, I will defend myself. Some comments have surfaced about Father’s Day. I don’t know who is generating them but the truth is that I did call my kids that evening,” the actor said in a statement posted on his website.
“Frankly, I was surprised that they did not call me in the morning but I was thousands of miles away and working that day so I didn’t give it a second thought. I had texted Camille that morning to wish her Dad a Happy Father’s Day. I hoped that might serve as a reminder,” he continued. “I love my kids and I miss them terribly.”
He also addressed a rumor that he was recently seen kissing another woman.
“A rumor from the ‘bottom of the barrel set’ has surfaced about me and a dirty blond at a restaurant in NYC. It was April and we were seen smooching at Five Napkin Burger. The dirty blond was my daughter Spencer, who was visiting that entire month,” Grammer explained. “I do take issue with the characterization that we were smooching but surely if that were the case then even I admit it might be newsworthy in some fashion.
“Certainly, the time will come when I do see another woman. I expect Camille to see other men. I hope people and the press will understand that we are both free to carry on with our lives. I ask that everyone remain discreet for the sake of our children; I will certainly do so.
“Lastly, Camille and I had been discussing the possibility of a separation for some time before all this happened. She finally decided she should file,” he concluded. “I respect her for this decision. I mean her no harm. I hope to have a great partnership with her in the raising of our children. I have always been proud to be their Dad; I have always been very involved in their lives. Ask anyone that knows us.”
As previously reported on AccessHollywood.com, last week, after nearly 13 years of marriage, Camille cited irreconcilable differences as the reason for filing for divorce from the former “Frasier” star.
She is asking a judge to award the estranged couple joint legal custody of their two children – Mason Olivia, 8, and Jude Gordon, 5.
She has asked for physical custody with visitation granted to Kelsey.
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