In a moment that stunned viewers and sparked widespread discussion, Fox News anchor Julie Banderas announced her divorce from her husband, Andrew Sansone, live on air during a Valentine’s Day segment on the comedy show Gutfeld! on February 9, 2023. The announcement, delivered with a mix of humor and candor, was accompanied by a scathing critique of Valentine’s Day, which Banderas dismissed as a “stupid” and “ridiculous” Hallmark holiday. This article explores the context of Banderas’ announcement, the public and media reactions, the underlying dynamics of her marriage, and the broader implications of her bold on-air revelation. Drawing from various sources, including news reports and social media, this piece provides a comprehensive look at an event that blurred the lines between personal life and public persona.
The On-Air Announcement
The incident occurred during a segment on Gutfeld!, a late-night conservative comedy show hosted by Greg Gutfeld on Fox News. As the panel discussed the upcoming Valentine’s Day holiday, Gutfeld asked Banderas, a seasoned Fox News anchor, whether she was expecting to receive anything special for the occasion. Banderas, known for her sharp wit and no-nonsense demeanor, responded with an expletive-laden outburst: “Fk Valentine’s Day. It’s stupid. Even when I was married, I didn’t get st.” The audience and panelists reacted with a mix of laughter and shock as she continued, “Well, I’m getting a divorce. I’m going to go ahead and say it right here for the very first time.”
Banderas’ announcement was not entirely spontaneous. Earlier that day, she had hinted at a “little announcement” on Twitter, writing, “Tune into @gutfeldfox tonight at 11pm ET. I have a little announcement at the end of the show. (During the Valentine’s Day segment ironically).” The tweet, accompanied by a selfie, set the stage for what would become a viral moment in broadcast television. After delivering the news, Banderas urged the audience to clap, quipping, “If you know me, you’d clap. Congratulations are in order. That was breaking news right there.”
Her blunt delivery and irreverent tone turned the personal revelation into a spectacle, with the moment quickly gaining traction online. Clips of the segment were shared across social media platforms, and news outlets from People to The Daily Mail covered the story extensively, highlighting both the divorce announcement and her criticism of Valentine’s Day.
Valentine’s Day Criticism
Banderas’ disdain for Valentine’s Day was a central theme of her on-air comments. She described the holiday as a “Hallmark holiday,” arguing that it was “absolutely ridiculous” and unnecessary. “I don’t think you need one day to show your love,” she said, reinforcing her view that the holiday was overly commercialized and lacked genuine meaning. Her remarks resonated with those who share a cynical view of Valentine’s Day, particularly individuals navigating relationship challenges or those who see the holiday as a marketing ploy.
In addition to her general critique, Banderas offered practical advice to men planning to celebrate the holiday, warning, “Guys, if you are going to get your girl flowers, don’t bring them to her in a box. That’s the only advice I’ve got for you. If you come to me in a box, you better be dead.” The humorous yet biting comment underscored her rejection of traditional Valentine’s Day gestures, aligning with her broader dismissal of the holiday’s significance.
Context of the Marriage and Divorce
Julie Banderas, born Julie Bidwell on September 25, 1973, married Andrew Sansone, a financial advisor, in August 2009 at the Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church in New York City. The couple, who met when Banderas hosted an event for Habitat for Humanity, share three children. Their relationship had been relatively private, with Banderas rarely sharing details about her marriage on air or social media. However, reports suggest that the marriage was tumultuous, with sources close to the couple describing it as “rocky” and marked by frequent conflicts.
Tensions in the marriage became public in December 2022, when Banderas referred to Sansone as her “soon-to-be ex” on Twitter in response to a fan’s comment. This hint of trouble was followed by a more serious revelation in February 2023, when The Daily Mail reported that Sansone had been arrested in December 2022 for allegedly holding a steak knife to Banderas’ throat during an argument over mashed potatoes. According to the police report, the incident occurred at their Hamptons home, and Banderas claimed she feared for her life. Sansone was charged with menacing and criminal possession of a weapon, though he was later cleared of these charges in a non-jury trial in July 2023.
The knife incident, which occurred just five days after Banderas’ Twitter comment about her “soon-to-be ex,” shed light on the severity of the couple’s issues. Sources told The Daily Mail that Sansone had often belittled Banderas, even in front of their children, and was uncomfortable with her fame and success as a Fox News anchor. These dynamics likely contributed to Banderas’ decision to pursue a divorce and her willingness to announce it publicly.
Public and Media Reactions
The public response to Banderas’ announcement was polarized. On Twitter, many users praised her candor, with one calling the on-air revelation “iconic” and another writing, “Congratulations Julie. Enjoy your new happiness.” Others, however, criticized her for airing personal matters on national television, with one user commenting, “How awful for her to announce this on national TV. Hope they kick her off.” The announcement also sparked debates about professionalism in broadcasting, with some arguing that Banderas’ decision to share such news was inappropriate for a news anchor.
Media outlets amplified the story, with headlines emphasizing both the divorce announcement and Banderas’ expletive-filled Valentine’s Day rant. The Independent noted that Banderas’ comments were met with support from fans who admired her boldness, while The Daily Beast described the moment as “breaking news” delivered with an “acid-tongued” flair. The viral nature of the segment underscored the public’s fascination with personal drama in the media, particularly when it involves a high-profile figure like Banderas.
Banderas herself addressed the speculation surrounding her announcement, responding to a Twitter user who suggested she might have been joking by stating, “I wasn’t kidding.” She also engaged with supporters, replying to a comment about divorce being a rite of passage with, “Yeah, like 13 years ago,” hinting at long-standing dissatisfaction in her marriage. In 2024, Banderas reflected on the divorce in a tweet, writing, “It’s called, divorce. If I’ve learned anything through this long agonizing process it’s this: it is never too late to be happy and I’ve never been happier!” Her comments suggest that the divorce, though contentious, ultimately brought her a sense of liberation.
Broader Implications
Banderas’ on-air announcement raises questions about the intersection of personal and professional life in the media industry. As a public figure, Banderas occupies a unique position where her personal experiences can become fodder for public consumption. Her decision to announce her divorce on Gutfeld!—a show known for its irreverent humor—may have been a calculated move to reclaim agency over her narrative, particularly in light of the reported difficulties in her marriage. By framing the announcement with humor and defiance, Banderas challenged traditional expectations of how news anchors should present themselves, opting for authenticity over decorum.
The incident also highlights the pressures faced by women in high-profile media roles. Banderas, who has been with Fox News since 2005 and has served as an anchor for programs like America’s Newsroom and Outnumbered, has navigated a demanding career while raising three children. Reports of Sansone’s alleged belittling behavior suggest that her professional success may have been a point of contention in their marriage, reflecting broader societal tensions around gender roles and power dynamics in relationships.
Furthermore, Banderas’ critique of Valentine’s Day taps into a cultural debate about the commercialization of romance. Her dismissal of the holiday as a “Hallmark holiday” echoes sentiments expressed by those who view Valentine’s Day as an artificial construct driven by consumer culture. By tying her divorce announcement to this critique, Banderas positioned herself as a voice for those disillusioned with societal expectations around love and relationships.
Conclusion
Julie Banderas’ on-air divorce announcement on February 9, 2023, was a bold and polarizing moment that captured the attention of viewers and media alike. By combining her personal revelation with a sharp critique of Valentine’s Day, Banderas challenged conventions of broadcast journalism and sparked conversations about authenticity, professionalism, and the commercialization of romance. The announcement, rooted in a tumultuous marriage marked by reported conflicts and a serious incident involving her husband, Andrew Sansone, underscored the complexities of her personal life. While some praised her candor, others questioned the appropriateness of sharing such news on air, highlighting the delicate balance between public and private spheres for media personalities. Ultimately, Banderas’ story is one of resilience and self-assertion, as evidenced by her later reflections on finding happiness post-divorce. As she continues her career at Fox News, her Gutfeld! moment will remain a defining chapter in her public persona, emblematic of her unapologetic approach to both life and work.
