DETROIT (FOX 2) - Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan and his wife Lori Maher have filed for divorce.
The filing was made in Wayne County Circuit Court Friday. The couple released a joint statement addressing it.
"Life is a journey with many twists and turns. Today, a new chapter begins for the two of us. We have decided to divorce," the statement says.
Duggan's relationship to researcher Dr. Sonia Hassan has been publicly questioned in recent months. His connection with Hassan's Make Your Date Wayne State University program is being looked into by the city's Inspector General.
Duggan and the city have denied claims that he helped steer $358,000 to Make Your Date, which according to the city, has helped thousands of pregnant women in Detroit by connecting them to see a doctor or midwife, testing, treatment, counseling and other resources needed throughout pregnancy.
The rest of Duggan and Maher's joint statement is in full, below:
"This painful decision has not been made lightly. On the contrary, we have had many serious discussions, have sought out guidance, but in the end, feel this is the best decision for both of us. We soon may not be a married couple, but we remain in close contact and we are first and foremost parents. We will forever protect and be present together in the lives of our children and grandchildren.
"We do ask that you respect our privacy during this very difficult time. We will not comment further. We will continue to be supportive of each other, of our family and of the citizens of Detroit."
Lori Maher
Michael Duggan
Bill Nowling, a spokespeson for Dr. Hassan told FOX 2, "We have nothing to say about this, it is a personal matter."