Las Vegas illusionist Criss Angel, renowned for his death-defying stunts and long-running 'Mindfreak' show, finds himself at the centre of a different kind of spectacle - a bitter marital collapse that's playing out in public view.
The 56-year-old magician and his wife Shaunyl Benson have officially called time on their five-year marriage, with court documents revealing allegations of narcissistic behaviour and infidelity that the celebrated performer vehemently denies.
The Allegations Surface
According to legal filings obtained by DailyMail.com, Benson has pulled no punches in her characterisation of the marriage's breakdown. The 35-year-old former model cited 'irreconcilable differences' as the official reason for the split, but court papers tell a more dramatic story.
Benson has accused the magician of displaying 'narcissistic behaviour' throughout their relationship, creating what she describes as an 'unbearable' living situation. Most strikingly, she has alleged that Angel was unfaithful during their marriage - claims the illusionist has immediately moved to refute.
Angel's Firm Denial
Through his representatives, the 'Mindfreak' star has issued a strong rebuttal to the cheating allegations. 'Criss denies any and all allegations of cheating,' his spokesperson stated unequivocally.
The magician's team appears determined to control the narrative around the split, emphasising that while the marriage has ended, Angel remains committed to co-parenting their two young children, Johnny and Xristos.
A Relationship Under the Spotlight
The couple's romance began in 2015 when Benson appeared as a model in Angel's Las Vegas show. Their relationship quickly intensified, with Angel proposing just two years later during a dramatic live television event.
Their 2018 wedding was a star-studded affair at the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Vegas, but behind the glamour, sources suggest the relationship had been under strain for some time before the official separation.
What Comes Next
With divorce proceedings now underway, attention turns to the practical arrangements. Benson is seeking both spousal support and primary physical custody of their children, though she has indicated she wants Angel to have 'frequent and continuous contact' with their sons.
The magician, meanwhile, continues his Las Vegas residency while navigating what promises to be a complex and very public separation.
As legal teams prepare for what could be a contentious divorce battle, fans of the illusionist are left wondering whether this personal drama will impact the professional persona of one of Las Vegas's most enduring entertainers.
