How Sandra Bullock Kept Her Biggest Secret

By Jo Piazza Posted Apr 28th 2010 12:45PM

We media scoundrels think we're know-it-alls. But Sandra Bullock proved us wrong this week when the actress we have all been paying so much attention to for the past month appeared on the cover of PEOPLE magazine with her new baby boy Louis Bardo Bullock -- who she adopted in January. Yeah, do the math. That's three months ago!

With all the scrutiny surrounding Sandy's marriage, how did we possibly miss such a monumental event in the actress' life. We who can spot a baby bump from a mile away? Well, this just proves that no matter how well we think we know our celebrities, our insight into their lives is often strictly limited by what they want us to know.

"Obviously Sandra Bullock has a very tight circle around her of family and friends," explains Hollywood Life senior reporter Corynne Steindler. "Everyone assumed she was hiding out because of the humiliation Jesse James brought upon her, so I don't think anyone imagined there was another reason for her secrecy! A new baby is such a happy thing, and now we all know that she wasn't being ashamed or hiding out in embarrassment -- she was a mother protecting her newborn."

Adoption documents are obviously kept private, but the paper trail to maintain a secret this big had to be a long one. Sandra had been working on this adoption for four years, and yet no one who dissects such things was any the wiser. That means that nearly everyone around her is fiercely loyal and that some of the folks involved obviously signed serious confidentiality agreements.

"She most likely had all parties involved sign non-disclosures that probably carried with it a hefty dollar amount if any information was revealed. She may have also used a fake name, as many stars do like when they travel and stay in hotels, for example," explains 'Cult of Celebrity' author Cooper Lawrence.

Then, there's the divorce filing, which is generally public record and free for every person -- and news agency -- to peruse. Bullock kept the tabloids and bloggers off her back by going rogue, in a sense, adding a bit of mystery to her divorce filings.

In the papers, which TMZ has, Bullock uses her initials (backwards, too) "B.A.S" instead of a name for herself, and also refers to Jesse under his initials, "J.G.J." Strangely, the document also states that "there is no child under eighteen years of age or otherwise entitled to support who was born or adopted of this marriage and none is expected."

The story has had magazine editors shaking their heads all morning. I spoke to one who was unable to stop yelling, "What the F!" There have been paparazzi on Sandra's behind since the lead-in to Oscar season and more so after Jesse James' indiscretions were made public. You can bet those paps were trying desperately to shoot inside her house and her backyard! Stars can't protect themselves from most things, but like a lion will do anything for its cubs, a mama can find ways to shield her baby from the tabloids.

"A woman can't always protect herself from her husband's Nazi-loving girlfriends, but she can protect the sanctity of the bond with her child, particularly at such an important, formative moment of their relationship," explains Katherine Rosman, author of the memoir 'If You Knew Suzy,' which is about her own bond with her late mother.

Read: One Editor Who's Been in Sandra's Shoes

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Tags: jesse james, sandra bullock

Comments

(107)

Wednesday 28 April

By Sue

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Good for Sandra. Lucky little guy.

By j

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The Pope should waive the three miracle rule and make her a saint . I wonder how many Sandy Stories there will be tomorrow ?

Thursday 29 April

By Simzee

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Sandra tells a quiet story....Adopt American.

By Karine Zaks

Bravo Sandra!!!
You are mein Vorbild strong, discrete,intelligent and beautiful.
Love is still in your heart and this time it will be returned.
There is nothing stronger than love from your new baby,
I am so happy for you!!
All the best for your future
Alles Gute,
Karine

By skip7712

Way to go Girl.....you have proved you have brains and spunk as well as beauty. You fooled the fools.....keep it up girl God Bless you and your son. And God bless your circle of friends...........

By anon

The poll above suggests SB suddenly adopted in January of this year when the truth is it was a FOUR YEAR process. Obviously if she waited and worked through such a long process why would she delay or stop when she was finally able to adopt her new son? Please, what an inane attempt at spin. Good for Sandra.

By Ashton

It's refreshing to know that the media dogs couldn't touch this story. They should just leave the actress alone!

By Cindy

Just goes to show you that all of these Hollywood stars that get photographed so often with their kids, are not really trying to not make it happen. Sandra left her home, with her baby, her things and all of his things and not one picture was taken. Shows that it can be done.

By jandgdeinzer

GOD BLESS YOU, SANDRA! THIS WILL ALEVIATE SOME OF THE BAD PUBLICITY ABOUT YOUR MARRIAGE TO THE UNDISIREABLE MAN. WHAT A LUCKY CHILD.

By Linda

I wish you all the happiness in the world!

By jjjwkjohn4

Why can't you leave this lady alone? Doesn't she deserve some private?

By thatsclass

Not a drop of vengefulness (a sin) towards those who wronged her. No wonder she is so well liked. Cool person. Beautiful baby and good attitude. Good luck.

By Lisa Stern

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BRAVO!!!!!!!!!!

By gigi

Sandra Bullock is a loving and caring mother who must be admired for putting the welfare of her child before everything else as life crumbled around her. I loved it! She did not want her son around all the crazy energy of the media - what a contrast to a woman who drags a special needs baby constantly into the spotlight of vultures and looky-loos!

By Angelica

Congrats to Sandra on her bundle of joy!!!! She's seems like a very strong wonderful person, who has gone through alot with all this and had the strength to continue with the adoption on her own. I'm
also proud of her for adopting a child here in the United States!!!!

By mickey

What a wonderful and clever way to put an end to the ugliness that has tried to envelope this woman. You have got to be one of the smartest women I have ever not known. I APPLAUD you!!!LONG LIFE!!!

By Shari

Ditto. I think the news of her new baby will outshine all the negative that's revolving around her. She deserves happiness.

By katy d

i just want good stuff 4 u.... and i know that sometimes u have to have bad stuff happen to get to the bad stuff.. it's kind of like an oreo cookie and all good things.. you will be fine... and so it will be..

By Billionairess

What?

By cdcr

Who has the last laugh now? She is one tough girl and a SMART one of top of her talent. A lot of admiration goes to her. More power to Sandra B.

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