Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty ImagesThe National Enquirer has "reached a new low," according to Mark Consuelos and Kelly Ripa.
An attorney for the comely couple has demanded a retraction from the tabloid for a story that claims their 12-year marriage is on the skids and Consuelos has ditched their family's New York abode for a new setup in Chicago.
"Ms. Ripa and Mr. Consuelos are and remain happily married and living together at their home in New York City," read the cease-and-desist missive penned by NYC-based lawyer Michael P. Zweig. (View the letter.)
Not only did the Enquirer go to press after being told that the story was false, Zweig wrote, but the rag's "front page and inner headlines and accompanying story are ridiculous and represent little more than a cynical and malicious attempt to injure my clients and their family, to boost flagging circulation, and to trade off of the good reputation, image and deserved celebrity of my clients."
Former costars, Ripa and Consuelos met on the set of All My Children and tied the knot in 1996. They have three children together, 11-year-old Michael, 7-year-old Lola and 5-year-old Joaquin.
This year, Consuelos has appeared on the Chicago-based Oprah Winfrey Show as a correspondent, necessitating him to hop a plane from time to time.
The Enquirer's story, headlined "Kelly Ripa and Hubby Split," states that the Live With Regis and Kelly cohost and her man "have been arguing furiously about their future" and that Consuelos has "packed his bags and stormed out of their home...leaving Kelly in tears."
But according to her attorney, it's not Ripa who'll be crying if the supermarket-checkout staple doesn't apologize and issue a full public retraction.