Elizabeth Vargas: Husband Marc Cohn Accused Of Cheating
Elizabeth Vargas, who recently returned to ABC News after some time in treatment for alcoholism, is now dealing with reports that husband Marc Cohn was unfaithful during her stint in rehab.
If you recall, Vargas made her struggle with alcohol addiction public in November, acknowledging the ongoing problem and her desire to seek treatment. Vargas left rehab after two weeks and eventually returned to television in January. However, these new rumors suggest possible issues with Elizabeth and her marriage.
Vargas’ husband, the Grammy-winning songwriter Cohn, angrily denies any infidelity on his part:
“I have no comment regarding vicious rumors about a so-called affair. I have encouraged and supported Elizabeth’s recovery as her years of struggle have been hard on everyone. Out of deference to my family’s privacy, I will not comment further.”
The report identified family friend and Flywheel instructor Ruth Zukerman as the other half of the alleged affair. Reports have also surfaced involving a possible separation between Vargas and her husband, something that, if actually true, would indicate there could be some trouble with the relationship.
A source close to the situation told PEOPLE the following:
“He (Cohn) has a strong emotional investment in how the story is told because his primary concern are his kids and he doesn’t want to look like a bad guy when he’s not. It’s a complicated situation since what seems new in the public is a longstanding challenge for them over the years.”
How the public perceives the situation is obviously important to the couple, and both Vargas and Cohn would certainly prefer to not have to address such rumors, regardless of if they are fact or fiction. These types of accusations are particularly troubling when you consider the specifics of this relationship, where Vargas is struggling with addiction and there are two children involved.
After announcing her intent to seek treatment for alcoholism, Vargas entered rehab in November and then returned to ABC News in January, when she conducted an interview with George Stephanopoulos on Good Morning America. Vargas was very candid about her addiction and what compelled her to finally seek help:
“On a Saturday afternoon I showed up for a 20/20 shoot and I was in no shape to do that interview. I got out of the car I realized what am I doing? And that’s when I knew I needed to get help.”
Hopefully for all concerned these rumors will prove to be false, and Elizabeth Vargas can continue her recovery, both personally and professionally.
[Image via Stephen Lovekin/Getty Images]
