Simon Cowell and Lauren Silverman

Simon Cowell and Lauren Silverman

Simon Cowell's affair with Lauren Silverman has been dubbed "an unbelievable story of betrayal" by her brother-in-law.

The media mogul, 53, is expecting his first child with the New York socialite who is still married to real estate tycoon Andrew, and his brother has slammed the affair calling it a "sad story".

Alexander Silverman told New York Post newspaper: "It is an unbelievable story of betrayal. It is a sad story and a tragic story."

It appears Andrew was livid after the "betrayal" and is seeking revenge by naming Cowell as a co-respondent in divorce papers, which were apparently filed in Manhattan Supreme Court two weeks ago.

This comes despite New York City being a 'no-fault' divorce state, so there was no necessity to name anybody in the papers.

It is believed that was done to embarrass the Simon - worth about $350 million - who risks having to reveal his finances and details of their romance on the witness stand.

Noted divorce attorney Martha Cohen Stine explained: "It's really a signal to the spouse who cheated that the wronged spouse is very angry and that it's going to be a very nasty, scorched-earth, high-profile litigation."

Another top matrimonial attorney, William Zabel, has agreed, adding: "It's very nasty. I assume it's to embarrass them and get them to settle."

Lauren and Simon have reportedly hired the high-powered divorce team of Bernard Clair and Robert S. Cohen to help them through the battle.

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