Shyla Nelson Stewart, the current wife of Andrew Stewart, Martha Stewart’s ex-husband, has spoken out against the claims made in the lifestyle mogul’s new Netflix documentary.
In a Facebook post ahead of the documentary’s release on October 30, Shyla responded to the trailer, which features Martha Stewart, 83, advising young women that if their husbands cheat, “he’s a piece of s—.” Shyla criticized this portrayal of her husband and their past relationship, calling it “sensationalized.”
Shyla prefaced her statement by clarifying that she is not active on other social media platforms and would only address the matter on Facebook. She began the post by describing Andrew as “one of the gentlest, most soft-spoken, kind-hearted men” she has ever known.
She also emphasized his professional achievements as a publisher, naturalist, and nature photographer. Shyla shared that she and Andrew met nearly 12 years ago as colleagues, and since then, they have built a happy life together. “Andy and I have built a life of beauty, meaning, productivity, and purpose,” she wrote.
The couple shares a blended family of five adult children, three grandchildren, and many close friends.
While Shyla expressed gratitude for their life together, she acknowledged that Andrew’s past included a “painful and abusive marriage” to Martha, which ended almost 40 years ago.
Shyla explained that, while Andrew had moved on and found happiness, it seemed Martha continued to “relitigate” their past. She pointed to comments made in the documentary trailer as an example of how Martha was revisiting their history in a dramatic and one-sided way.
Shyla emphasized that the man she knows differs completely from the person portrayed in the Netflix documentary. “The contrast between Andy’s early life and the joy-filled, purpose-driven, loving marriage we share today is striking,” she wrote. She also explained that the couple expresses their gratitude for their love and life together every day.
At the end of her post, Shyla wished everyone, including Martha, the experience of fully loving and being loved, along with the peace that comes with it. Despite the tension surrounding the documentary, Shyla expressed her hope for healing and understanding.
A representative for Martha Stewart did not immediately respond to requests for comment from the media on November 7.
In the documentary, Martha opens up about the infidelities on both sides of her marriage to Andrew. She reveals that both she and Andrew had affairs during their time together, although Andrew only strayed after learning that Martha had been unfaithful.
Kathy Tatlock, a friend of Martha’s, also commented on the troubled relationship, explaining that it had always been strained. “Andy stayed extremely busy with his publishing business, and whenever he was around, tension always filled the air,” she said. “She criticized him for things like what he wore or how he spoke.” Tatlock suggested that over the years, the couple had grown more like colleagues than partners, as their personal lives became increasingly distant.
Martha herself reflected on the difficulties in the relationship, admitting, “He treated me really badly. And, in return, I guess I treated him badly.” Both Martha and Andrew have moved forward with their lives since their divorce. Andrew has found happiness with Shyla, and Martha has continued to expand her business empire.
The documentary, which delves into Martha’s life, including her marriage to Andrew, is currently available for streaming on Netflix.