Judge Jeanine Pirro’s Scandalous Past: How Her Ex-Husband’s Rumored Affair and a Wiretapping Scandal Almost Ruined Her Political Career

Judge Jeanine Pirro is no stranger to the spotlight. Known for her fiery commentary on Fox News, her legal expertise, and her political aspirations, Pirro has carved out a successful career in the public eye. However, behind her polished television persona lies a complicated personal history, particularly with her ex-husband, Albert Pirro. The tumultuous relationship between the two became the source of a major scandal in 2006, which not only put a dent in her political aspirations but also raised questions about her ethical boundaries.

The story begins in 2006, when Jeanine Pirro, then serving as the District Attorney of Westchester County, was running for the office of New York’s Attorney General. Her bid for the position was marred by an explosive scandal involving her attempts to catch her husband, Albert Pirro, in the act of cheating. While the move was intended to reveal the truth, it ultimately led to a federal investigation that would throw her political ambitions into disarray.

The Wiretapping Scandal: A Political Career in Jeopardy

In September of 2006, the New York Post reported that Pirro was under investigation for illegal wiretapping. The investigation stemmed from transcripts of conversations between Jeanine Pirro and former New York Police Commissioner Bernard Kerik. The transcripts detailed Jeanine’s efforts to plant an illegal bug to secretly record her husband’s supposed affairs. In one of the conversations, Pirro even suggested that she could place the clandestine recording equipment on Albert’s boat—ironically named Christie, after their daughter, adding an uncomfortable layer to the already tangled situation.

At the time, Jeanine was at the peak of her career. She was an ambitious political figure with eyes set on higher office. Pirro was outspoken about her belief that the office of Attorney General was beneath her and claimed that she should have already been elected Governor of New York. However, her career ambitions were complicated by her husband’s criminal legal issues, which included a high-profile conviction for tax fraud and evasion. Despite these challenges, Jeanine remained loyal to Albert, even during his time in prison. However, as time passed, Pirro began to suspect that her husband was having an affair, which led to her fateful decision to take matters into her own hands.

While Pirro publicly denied carrying out the wiretapping scheme, she did admit to venting her frustrations about her personal situation. “I said a lot of things, but what matters is what I did and didn’t do,” she told reporters at the time. Despite her insistence that no illegal actions were taken, the scandal itself was enough to derail her political career.

Albert Pirro’s Legal Troubles: A Complicated Marriage

The saga surrounding Judge Jeanine Pirro and her ex-husband Albert be

gan much earlier, with Albert’s legal issues taking center stage in the late 1990s. In 1999, Albert Pirro was indicted on 34 counts of tax fraud and tax evasion. His conviction in 2000 led to a 17-month prison sentence. Despite the public scandal, Jeanine stood by her husband throughout his legal troubles, remaining a supportive figure in his life even as he faced criminal charges.

However, in the years following Albert’s release from prison, Jeanine began to suspect that his behavior was not only unethical but also unfaithful. In 2006, as Pirro ramped up her political career, the whispers of an affair grew louder, leading her to take drastic steps in an attempt to uncover the truth. Her efforts, however, became public, thrusting her into the center of a media storm that would complicate her career and personal life for years to come.

The Fallout: Political Ambitions Derailled

The legal investigation into Pirro’s wiretapping allegations had immediate and severe consequences. Her campaign for Attorney General of New York was effectively derailed, with the scandal becoming a focal point of media attention. The allegations and the resulting fallout overshadowed her political ambitions, and the race for Attorney General ultimately went to Andrew Cuomo, who would go on to face his own set of controversies years later.

Pirro’s political career was undoubtedly impacted by her failed attempt to catch her husband in the act, but the lasting damage to her reputation was not as severe as it might have been. Though the scandal led to her political downfall, it also led to a much-needed personal transformation. In 2007, she and Albert separated, and their divorce was finalized in 2013. Despite these personal challenges, Jeanine Pirro’s career remained intact, thanks in part to her ability to pivot away from politics and find success as a Fox News personality.

Fox News Stardom: A Comeback of Sorts

Although Jeanine Pirro’s political aspirations were effectively sidelined, she found new life in the world of cable news. Pirro transitioned into a highly successful role as a commentator and host at Fox News, where she became known for her sharp legal analysis and candid opinions. Over the years, she built a loyal following, particularly among conservative viewers who appreciated her unapologetic stance on political issues.

Pirro’s rise at Fox News was, in many ways, a redemption of her public persona. While her personal life remained a topic of speculation and scrutiny, Pirro’s success as a television personality allowed her to regain some of the influence and prestige she had once held in political circles. In 2017, she was even tapped by President Donald Trump to serve as the interim U.S. Attorney for Washington, D.C., though the appointment would not be permanent.

Albert Pirro’s Presidential Pardon: A Complicated Legacy

In a stunning turn of events, Albert Pirro’s legal troubles were later addressed in a more dramatic fashion. In 2020, Donald Trump issued a presidential pardon for Albert Pirro, effectively wiping away the legal repercussions of his past criminal convictions. This move further complicated the public’s perception of the Pirros, especially as Jeanine Pirro had long been a vocal supporter of Trump. The pardon reignited discussions about the couple’s complicated past and brought their private struggles back into the public eye.

Jeanine’s endorsement of Trump and her personal history with Albert added another layer of intrigue to her already complex narrative. While she continues to thrive in her career as a Fox News host, the lasting impact of her ex-husband’s legal troubles and the wiretapping scandal remain an undeniable part of her legacy.

A Continuing Saga: Love, Scandal, and Redemption

Judge Jeanine Pirro’s life has been a rollercoaster of highs and lows, punctuated by a major personal scandal that nearly destroyed her political career. Yet, despite the controversies that have surrounded her marriage to Albert Pirro and the wiretapping scandal, Jeanine has managed to rebuild her public life and maintain a strong presence in conservative media.

Her rise to stardom on Fox News is a testament to her resilience and ability to overcome personal and professional setbacks. However, the road to redemption has not been without its challenges. The memories of her highly publicized personal drama, including the wiretapping scandal and her husband’s criminal past, continue to haunt her in the court of public opinion.

The true legacy of Jeanine Pirro’s career is not just defined by her success in the courtroom or on cable news, but by her ability to confront scandal head-on and continue to thrive in an often unforgiving world. Despite the attempts to derail her career, she remains a powerful figure in conservative media, and her journey serves as a reminder that the road to redemption can be paved with both personal and professional challenges.

Conclusion: The Complex Portrait of Jeanine Pirro

Judge Jeanine Pirro’s career has been defined by both triumph and controversy. Her rise to fame, fueled by her career as a district attorney, her tenure as a White House hopeful, and her success as a Fox News star, is marred by the personal scandal involving her ex-husband and the wiretapping allegations. But even in the face of adversity, Pirro’s ability to rebuild her image and thrive in the media world has been a testament to her resilience.

The saga of Jeanine Pirro is far from over, and while her past mistakes continue to be a part of her legacy, she remains an influential and steadfast voice in conservative politics. Whether her story will inspire future generations of women in media or serve as a cautionary tale of the dangers of mixing personal life with public ambition remains to be seen. One thing is clear: Judge Jeanine Pirro’s life and career will continue to be a subject of fascination for years to come.