Connecticut Supreme Court says former wife of skin care guru cannot discuss relationship

CT court: Perricone ex-wife can’t discuss divorce

NEW HAVEN, Conn. — The Connecticut Supreme Court ruled Monday that the former wife of popular anti-aging and skin-care guru Dr. Nicholas Perricone was too rash in her plans to discuss their relationship.

Perricone, who has written several best-selling books and offers a range of skin care and dietary advice, obtained a restraining order in 2005 that prevented his former wife, Madeleine, from discussing their divorce after he learned she planned to appear on a national television show. A trial court cited a confidentiality agreement the couple reached before their divorce that recognized Nicholas Perricone’s business interests could be harmed.

His former wife appealed, citing her free speech rights and arguing that a separation agreement that ended their marriage replaced the confidentiality agreement.

The high court ruled unanimously that Madeleine Perricone waived her First Amendment rights and that the confidentiality agreement was not affected by the separation agreement.

“We are persuaded by the weight of authority that an agreement that restricts speech, but that does not expressly refer to first amendment rights, constitutes a valid waiver of those rights, as long as the waiver was intelligent and voluntary,” Chief Justice Chase T. Rogers wrote for the court.

The Perricones were locked in a bitter divorce battle in which Madeleine Perricone accused her former husband of cheating and emotional abuse while he said his fourth wife had a history of mental illness and dug into her stint as a call girl, The Hartford Courant reported in 2006.

Nicholas Perricone at the time cleared $457,000 per month from his company and royalties on patents and books. He spent nearly $24,000 per month on travel and entertainment, while Madeleine Perricone reported spending $5,000 per month on clothes for herself and her daughter.

The couple had angry confrontations at the daughter’s school, argued over the use of a luxurious vacation home in Florida and a trip to see Pope John Paul II.

“We’re very happy with the decision, especially because the ruling will continue to protect my client’s daughter from the harm of public exposure and publicity,” said Daniel Krisch, attorney for Nicholas Perricone.

A telephone message was left for Madeleine Perricone’s attorney.

Nicholas Perricone’s best sellers include titles like “The Wrinkle Cure” and “The Perricone Prescription.” He also has created a high-end line of skin care products.