Alan Cumming Claims Ex-Wife Hilary Lyon Didn’t Believe in His Childhood Abuse

Alan Cumming stated that his ex-wife, Hilary Lyon, initially doubted his childhood abuse claims. The actor revealed this discomfort during a podcast episode of "Reclaiming with Monica Lewinsky" on February 25.

In his memoir, "Not My Father’s Son," Cumming shared his painful past, detailing emotional and physical abuse from his father, Alex Cumming. He reflected, "In that situation, you’re so worried about being believed… And some people didn’t." When Lewinsky asked who had doubted him, he answered, "My ex-wife."

Cumming implied that while Lyon eventually believed him, she said he used the abuse as an excuse to leave their marriage. "She was angry," he added. He said, "You’re so tender and you’re so raw… You can hardly believe it."

Cumming and Lyon were married from 1985 to 1993. He later wed artist Grant Shaffer in 2007, celebrating with a civil ceremony in London and remarrying in New York on their five-year anniversary. About getting married to Shaffer, Cumming noted his readiness for a healthy relationship.

"I’d had a lot of bad failed relationships, and I was ready for a good one," he told People. He shared that many formative events in his life helped him understand himself better. "By nearly 40, all those things had come out, and I had done a lot of therapy."

Cumming acknowledged his first marriage was motivated by a desire for stability. He remarked, "That’s not a great thing to do. I was 21 when I first married. I knew I was bisexual, as did my wife." The "Good Wife" star has long been open about his sexuality, earlier stating, "For me, bisexual is a good thing… I still find lots of people attractive."

On January 27, Cumming celebrated his 60th birthday. He shared reflections on an Instagram post, showcasing his Nasty Pig campaign photos. He said, "I don’t want to conform… The more I stick to my guns and am prepared to be vulnerable, the more successful I am."

Cumming’s impressive career includes his portrayal of Eli Gold in "The Good Wife," as well as appearances in "Romy and Michele’s High School Reunion," and "Eyes Wide Shut." Since 2023, he has hosted "The Traitors," a popular Peacock show, offering a $250,000 prize to the winner among an eclectic celebrity group.

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