Who Is Anderson Cooper’s Ex, Benjamin Maisani? Club Owner, Dad Of 2, Lives With Him Despite Breakup

Anderson Cooper has officially left CBS News’ 60 Minutes after serving as its host for two decades. The final episode featuring him aired on May 17, 2026 (ET), marking the end of his CBS correspondent era. The 58-year-old, who initially joined the flagship news magazine during the 2006–2007 season through a special partnership with CNN, chose not to renew his contract in 2026. The show had huge popularity and viewership thanks to Anderson’s classic zing throws. His fans, whom he had entertained for years, are heartbroken over his exit.

Just months ago, Anderson Cooper thrilled the viewers by hosting the popular New Year’s Eve Live 2026 with his friend and co-host, Andy Cohen. Fans loved them in the show and wanted to see more of their work in the future. However, Anderson’s departure from 60 Minutes got them disheartened. As he hits the headlines and dominates social media chatter, a curiosity has been sparked in his personal life, particularly on who he was dating. Here’s everything we know about his former lover, Benjamin Maisani and the circumstances around their breakup.

Who is Anderson Cooper’s ex, Benjamin Maisani? All about his entrepreneurial ventures

Benjamin Maisani is a French-born businessman, nightclub owner, as per South China Morning Post. He is widely known as the former long-term partner of CNN anchor, Anderson Cooper. Born on January 27, 1973, in Corsica, France, he is 53 years old as of May 2026, which makes him almost six years younger than his ex, Anderson. The prominent nightlife entrepreneur co-owns clubs, including Eastern Bloc in the East Village. According to Mandatory, Benjamin started as a bartender at Barracuda and soon decided to venture into business.

Benjamin moved from his hometown, France to New York in 1994 to study art history. He pursued his education at Hunter College and later worked as a librarian at the Morgan Library in the same city. He took to NYC so well that he chose to settle there permanently and establish his business venture right there. According to Legit, Benjamin Maisani owns the Atlas Social Club and has also invested in another venue, Bedlam Bar & Lounge.

Benjamin Maisani and Anderson Cooper’s journey from private romance to going public

Benjamin met Anderson in the same place where he spent his youth building his career, i.e., New York City. The duo ran in similar New York social circles, largely because of Maisani’s prominence in the East Village nightlife scene. They gradually fell for each other, and their romantic journey began in 2009, according to reports by the South China Morning Post. The former couple dated for about five years before deciding to move in together. The year 2014 was significant for their relationship.

At that time, Anderson and Benjamin took a major step by buying the historic Rye House estate in Connecticut and moving in together, subtly confirming their long-term commitment. They allowed their initial connection to grow organically, out of the public eye, and didn’t go public until their relationship deepened. After a year of living together, Anderson and Benjamin officially went public with their relationship in 2015. They made one of their first major public appearances together at the 26th Annual GLAAD Media Awards in May of the same year.

Anderson Cooper and Benjamin Maisani became dads of two

After living together for almost six years, Anderson Cooper and Benjamin Maisani welcomed a son via surrogacy. They named the little one Wyatt Morgan, who was born on April 27, 2020. Two years later, on February 10, 2022, the former couple became parents to another baby boy, Sebastian Luke, also via surrogacy. After Sebastian’s birth, the CNN anchor announced that Benjamin was in the process of legally adopting Wyatt. Following the adoption, the children’s last name was changed to Maisani-Cooper. Wyatt reportedly calls Anderson daddy and Benjamin papa.

Anderson Cooper and Benjamin Maisani still live together despite breaking up years before embracing parenthood

Anderson and Benjamin broke up in early 2018 after dating for nearly nine years. In a statement, the CNN host said that they “separated as boyfriends some time ago” but emphasised they remained “best of friends” and “family”. During their relationship, they had different views on having children, with Benjamin not wanting kids. However, he later had a change of heart and showered his two kids with immense love from the moment they were born. Despite their split, the two continued to live together in NYC to co-parent their sons. Many are unable to understand their unusual living situation; however, they are happy, and that’s what matters.

PC: Anderson Cooper/IG

What are your thoughts on Anderson Cooper and Benjamin Maisani’s unbreakable bond even after their breakup? Let us know.

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