Martha Stewart’s ex-husband Andrew “Andy” Stewart and his current spouse, Shyla Nelson Stewart, recently commented on the serious allegations brought forth by the lifestyle icon in the Netflix documentary “Martha.”
In this revealing film, Martha, now 83, made stark accusations against Andrew, claiming he had multiple affairs throughout their nearly three-decade marriage. She also admitted to her own infidelities.
“Young women, take my counsel: if your husband begins to stray, he has proven himself unworthy,” Martha declared in the trailer. Having been married to Andrew from 1961 until their divorce in 1990, her strong words carry weight. “End that marriage,” she urged.
Responding to these claims, Andrew and Shyla collectively issued a statement shared on Facebook right before the documentary’s premiere on October 30.
Shyla began her message with a personal touch: “To my Facebook family — this is my first and final public comment on this matter. My limited social media presence makes this the sole venue for my statement.”
She followed with, “Many of you know my husband, Andrew Stewart, an accomplished publisher, a devoted naturalist, and an introspective nature photographer. He is truly one of the softest-spoken, kind-hearted individuals I have ever encountered.”
Recalling their unexpected love story, Shyla wrote, “Who would have expected that after working together for nearly 12 years, our professional relationship would grow into a profound companionship?”
Detailing their family-oriented life, she added, “With a mutual commitment to nature and family, we have cultivated a fulfilling life. Every single day, our love creates a tapestry of beauty and connection, shared with our remarkable blended family — five incredible adult children and three delightful grandchildren.”
Addressing Andrew’s earlier struggles, Shyla candidly noted, “Before this bright chapter, Andrew faced shadows, including a challenging marriage to Martha Stewart that ended close to 40 years ago.”
She reflected on what seems to be a pattern: “While Andrew chose a path of quiet resilience, Martha appears intent on revisiting their past publicly, as evidenced by her sensationalized documentary trailer.”
Shyla painted a vivid contrast between past and present. “The differences between Andrew’s early struggles and the joy and purpose we embrace today are profound,” she continued. “Every day, we express heartfelt gratitude for the love and life we share.”
Wishing Martha well, Shyla concluded, “We hope that everyone, including Martha herself, may experience the depth of love and companionship we cherish, bringing peace and fulfillment.” Her emotional appeal resonated with those familiar with the saga, as the post was enhanced with personal photos of her and Andrew.
Shyla serves as the president and CEO of Fieldstone Publishing, a venture where Andrew remains publisher emeritus, a role reflected on their company’s website.
The documentary recounts a web of betrayal, with Martha revealing that both she and Andrew, who shares a daughter named Alexis with her, strayed during their marriage. Martha claimed that Andrew “had numerous girlfriends” and felt “unfulfilled at home,” even accusing him of an affair with one of her former assistants, Robyn Fairclough.
In a surprising twist, Andrew married Fairclough three years after his divorce from Martha, despite the age gap of 21 years. That union, too, would ultimately dissolve.
Martha recounted a moment of indiscretion during their honeymoon in Florence, Italy — a kiss with a stranger inside a cathedral. It was a brief affair, not singularly culminating in a life of regrets, as Martha later revealed an encounter with a charming Irishman, which she believed Andrew remained oblivious to.
However, an intriguing dialogue unfolded between the film’s director, R.J. Cutler, and Andrew, who disclosed that he was aware of Martha’s transgression, which she had confessed. “He withheld his own betrayal until you shared yours,” Cutler remarked.
“That’s simply not accurate,” Martha retorted, dismissing the claim with a sense of disbelief.
The documentary “Martha” is currently available for streaming on Netflix, inviting viewers to reflect on the complex nature of past relationships. It serves as not just entertainment, but also a pointed reminder of how personal histories shape the narratives we share in public life.
