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 Carlene

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That is why you are trully the best. I am so glad you were able to outsmart the tabloids. God Bless. Stand Proud!

By wabbit

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OK, That is one of the cutest little babies I have seen in a long time. I'm glad she was able to keep it a secret and that she went through the long adoption process and adopted in the US. From the sound of her interview I think as a couple they have been broke up somewhat for awhile. They stuck together to get this little one adopted. One lucky little boy, lucky mom.

By John

Maybe the feisty, tough little woman she played in Blind Side wasn't such a great acting achievement afterall. I've got a feeling that Sandy Bullock is tougher than all those pretenders that claim to be actresses in Hollywood. Moviedom has a new Queen.

By Tom

Who gives a flying leap about all this? private matter leave it alone isnt there more important things in life than this crap?

By Teresa Freeman

Way to go Sandra!!!
Keep your head up......who needs that cheater anyway; you can do much better than that.Take care of your little boy and God Bless you.
I admire what you are doing, no matter what other people may think.

By turk

Sandra, you're gorgeous, and I wish you and yours all the Blessings God provides.

By Nancy

I'm glad that she has people around her that are loyal enough to keep secrets like that.. I'd hate to be famous and never sure of the people around me.. I love Sandra Bullock..She's an amazing actress and I'm happy she has some happiness at this time.. We never really know what goes on in their private lives and honestly.. i dont think it is really any of our business.. but i think it speaks volumes if she is able to have loyal people around her at this time..

By Analyze This

TMZ is the most sophmoric form of journalism known to man. Keeps no talent people busy.

By Brink

Good, another farce is on the way.

By suzie brown

way to go sandra

By mary

Must have to have multiple personalities to be a star - one who wants publicity without which there is no stardom and one who craves privacy. I personally am blissful being no one in particular!

By HB341

I believe the article stated that Sandra has been taking care of her adopted baby since Jan. I find it hard to believe that the baby has never been outside in the 2 months prior to the oscars. There is definitely a conspiracy concerning this time period. I believe that a congressional inquiry is warranted!

By b. Phillips

It's about time a celebrity rescuses a baby from New Orleans...there are so many children there that need a home; especially since Katrina. Kudo's for Sandra for going to the city of New Orleans who are in such need of help for a grounded parent. What a beautiful world. Why go elsewhere when our country has children starving in our own back yards. Sandra, you are a beautiful woman in every way, and both you and Louie are the luckiest couple;-)) in the world. Enjoy your beautiful baby. Love from: a native from New Orleans, but a resident of Los Angeles for the past 25 years. My love to you and the baby. Good for you for the enjoyment you will experience in this new baby in your life now and for dumping Jessie, he is not deserving of you or baby Louie....

Thursday 29 April

By Grace Ware

how wonderful. way to go Sandra. God bless you and your baby.

By Patty

Good for you Sandra! May all women who are in these situations with cheating men, follow in your footsteps. You are a strong individual and you have morals and dignity! Too many women are weak and stay with this non-sense and think it's okay...it's NOT! I wish you all the best for you and your new baby!

By Tony

How wonderful. God bless Sandra and son.

By Darlene S

We treat "stars" as if they were some kind of game for us to bet on. In reality,the "reality" of it is this; they provide a service,amusement or whatever you want to call it. Another "reality" for you folks,when they are not working on their craft,they are just like us,albeit with a bit more money.When they are not working,they are entitled to the same respect you would pay any normal citizen;i.e. their privacy,time with kids etc-in other words what I'm saying is this;it is time to lessen the "fame factor" do away with this reality show crap that dumbs down America,and when their off screen let them be..believe or not they work really hard,and might actually deserve the break.

By Helen

Congratulations to Sandra and new baby boy! Thank God and her loving circle of friends and family that the tabloids NEVER found out!

By Leeza

I am so glad that she has something so positive to focus on during this extremley painful time. I was rooting for them (her and Jesse). I was shocked when they married to be honest. I think she has done a wonderful job handling everything thrown her way by life. May she know much hapiness in the future.

By marty

In response to your message, burrellhman, your wife may have heard Joan Rivers who said, "Maybe she can sell the baby to Angelina Jolie" (not exact quote) so this may be what your wife is referring to???

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