Look away now Anderson! Cooper's boyfriend spotted kissing another man in New York park

•Bar owner Ben Maisani, 39, caught in embrace with dark-haired mystery man
•News anchor had reportedly been planning marriage to partner of 3 years
•Cooper and Maisani share the TV host's luxury Manhattan townhouse


By Daily Mail Reporter


Anderson Cooper's next set of tough questions could be reserved for his long-term boyfriend Ben Maisani after pictures of him surfaced kissing another man.

Maisani, 39, was spotted in a close embrace with a dark-haired, muscle-bound man in a New York park.

The images may come as a surprise to the CNN news anchor after it was reported last month that he wanted to marry his partner as soon as Labor Day.


Embrace: Anderson Cooper's boyfriend Ben Maisani (left) kisses a mystery man while sitting in a New York park


Close: Maisani, 39, was reportedly on the verge of marrying news anchor Anderson Cooper

Clinch: Anderson Cooper's boyfriend Ben Maisani openly kisses another man in a public park

The wedding rumor came several weeks after Cooper, 45, spoke publicly about his sexuality for the first time, saying: ''The fact is, I'm gay, always have been, always will be, and I couldn't be more happy.'

There was no hint of upset from Cooper last night who looked typically sharp in a navy suit as he joined other A-listers in New York to watch Beyonce perform at the UN headquarters for World Humanitarian Day.

It is believed that Cooper has been dating Maisani, who owns gay bar Eastern Bloc in Manhattan's East Village for around three years.

The couple live together at Cooper's converted fire station townhouse and enjoy a low-key lifestyle, working out and going to dinner with friends including Sarah Jessica Parker and Matthew Broderick.

They were encouraged to marry last year by Anderson's mother, designer Gloria Vanderbilt. She reportedly helped the pair patch up their relationship after they struggled with conflicting work schedules.


Passion: Maisani, 39, is well-known as the partner of the popular TV host and the couple live together in Cooper's New York townhouse


Sharp: The news anchor looked typically dapper as he attended Beyonce's performance at the UN building in New York on Saturday night

Wedding bells: CNN anchor Anderson Cooper is reportedly planning to marry his long-term boyfriend, gay club owner Ben Maisani. Here they are pictured leaving David Barton Gym in 2010

Cooper agreed to cut back on trips abroad, while Maisani said he would do fewer night shifts at his bar. Vanderbilt, 88, was also reportedly encouraging the men to adopt a child.

Cooper's sexuality has long been an open secret in TV circles, but for him to state it publicly was a brave and bold move.

He said he was moved by recent events such as Barack Obama's endorsement of gay marriage - and hopes his example will put an end to bullying.

The journalist is also one of the most high profile people to come out in recent years, given that he hosts CNN's 'Anderson Cooper 360' and his own daytime TV talk show.


Enjoying the afternoon: Although Cooper's relationship with Maisani was an open secret in TV circles, he came out publicly earlier this summer


source:dailymail