Rep. Mark Sanford, R-SC, on Friday posted a lengthy message on Facebook saying he is ending his engagement to the Argentinian woman he famously disappeared to go visit in 2009 because of “tension” caused by his ex-wife.
"No relationship can stand forever this tension of being forced to pick between the one you love and your own son or daughter," Sanford writes. "And for this reason [Maria Belen Chapur] and I have decided to call off the engagement."
In the incredibly personal post, Sanford lays out why he feels he is being attacked by his ex-wife, Jenny Sanford, with unnecessary requirements in order to spend time with their youngest son. Particularly he points out a requirement that he not be under the influence of "illegal drugs or excessive amounts of alcohol" while with his son.
"This really is crazy," Sanford writes, "Why would one throw out the need for restraint if it were not a problem...I have never taken any illegal drug in my life."
According to the AP, Jenny Sanford is trying to require the former South Carolina governor to undergo psychiatric tests and take anger management and parenting courses. The legal claim also is attempting to limit his visitation rights with their youngest child, the AP says.
IN-DEPTH
-- Frank Thorp V
