Simon Cowell

Simon Cowell

Simon Cowell's former friend Andrew Silverman has released a statement saying his "top priority" in the pregnancy drama is his son.

Andrew, 37, has broken his silence over the news that his estranged wife Lauren Silverman is expecting a baby with the 53-year-old music mogul, claiming that all he cares about is his seven-year-old child Adam - who he shares with his spouse - and "protecting" him from the saga.

In an official statement, he said: "My top priority is protecting my seven-year-old son while working to resolve all outstanding issues with my wife.

"Hopefully people can respect the interest of our child during this process."

The casino mogul - who filed for divorce two weeks ago after discovering that Lauren was 10 weeks pregnant - has listed that the 'X Factor' boss as the co-respondent, as well as alleging adultery and "cruel and inhuman treatment " as the reasons behind his marriage failing.

Andrew's brother Alexander told the New York Post newspaper yesterday (01.08.13): "It's an unbelievable story of betrayal. It's a sad story and a tragic story."

Simon has not denied the news but has vowed to remain silent on the details in order to protect "a lot of people's feelings".

Speaking at an 'X Factor' USA press conference on the Fox panel at the Television Critics Association meeting in Beverly Hills, he joked: "I haven't read the newspapers. Am I missing something?"

He then added: "There are a lot of things I will eventually clear up when the time is right. I really have to be sensitive here because there are a lot of people's feelings involved."

Meanwhile, Lauren has said she wants to end her relationship with Andrew "amicably".

She said in an official statement: "I am committed to sorting things out with Andrew as amicably as possible to ensure the well-being of our son. I would hope for some space and privacy in order to work through this."

Her lawyers, Robert Cohen and Bernard Clair of Cohen Clair Lans Greifer & Thorpe LLP, added: "We are working to resolve this situation in a fair and reasonable way that protects the best interests of our client and her son."