When CNN anchor Anderson Cooper and businessman Benjamin Maisani ended their romantic relationship in 2018 after nearly a decade together, most observers assumed they would go their separate ways. Instead, they rewrote the script on modern domestic life. They continue to live under the same roof, raise two sons together, and maintain a bond that transcends traditional labels.
Understanding who Benjamin Maisani is requires looking past his association with a famous news broadcaster. He is an entrepreneur, a private individual who built a distinct career in New York City's hospitality scene, and an active co-parent.
Early Life and Move to New York
Long before he crossed paths with national news desks, Maisani grew up in France before moving across the Atlantic. In the early 1990s, he relocated to New York City to study film in college.
Immersed in the intellectual atmosphere of Manhattan, he initially worked at the historic Morgan Library. Surrounded by rare books and manuscripts, his early routine leaned toward quiet academia rather than flashing nightclub lights. However, working shifts as a bartender gradually shifted his professional trajectory toward the city's fast-paced service and hospitality industry.
The New York City Nightclub Career
Maisani eventually transitioned from bartending to venue ownership, becoming a prominent name in the downtown Manhattan nightlife scene. During the 2000s and 2010s, he helped manage and open several popular establishments, including the East Village bar Bedlam and the Atlas Social Club.
Despite operating venues known for lively crowds, Maisani maintained a reputation for keeping a low personal profile. In past interviews, he noted that running social spaces helped him overcome natural shyness, even though he rarely stayed out late on the party circuit himself. His sharp eye for aesthetics also translated into a deep passion for collecting art, particularly Old Master paintings, which he and Cooper bonded over.
Relationship Timeline With Anderson Cooper
Maisani and Cooper began dating in 2009, quietly establishing one of the more stable high-profile relationships in media. For nearly ten years, they shared a life together in Manhattan and Connecticut, occasionally appearing side-by-side at charity events and cultural functions.
By March 2018, the couple decided to part ways romantically. Cooper publicly announced the separation, emphasizing that they remained foundational parts of each other's lives. Rather than moving out or cutting ties, they realized their connection had evolved into a deep familial bond. They chose to stay in the same home, a setup that proved essential when their family dynamics shifted dramatically years later.
Co-Parenting and Raising Two Sons
When Cooper decided to pursue fatherhood via surrogacy, Maisani became an integral part of the plan. In April 2020, Cooper welcomed his first son, Wyatt Morgan Cooper. Maisani stepped up immediately as a co-parent, and he subsequently began the legal process to adopt Wyatt, changing the child's last name to Maisani-Cooper.
In February 2022, the family expanded further with the arrival of their second son, Sebastian. Today, the household functions as a tight-knit unit. Cooper has frequently shared in interviews that Wyatt calls him "daddy" and calls Maisani "papa". While their living arrangement strikes some outsiders as unconventional, both men have expressed immense fulfillment, noting that raising their boys together has brought profound joy and stability to their daily lives.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do Benjamin Maisani and Anderson Cooper still live together?
Yes. Even though they split up as romantic partners in 2018, they continue to live in the same household to raise their two sons, Wyatt and Sebastian.
Are Benjamin and Anderson ever getting back together romantically?
No. Both have confirmed multiple times that their relationship is strictly platonic and familial. They view each other as family and dedicated co-parents rather than romantic partners.
What is Benjamin Maisani's background?
Maisani is a French-born entrepreneur and art aficionado who moved to New York in the 1990s. He worked at the Morgan Library before establishing several well-known bars and nightlife venues in Manhattan.
How many children do they share?
They share two sons born via surrogacy: Wyatt, born in 2020, and Sebastian, born in 2022. Maisani is a co-parent and adoptive parent to the children.
