Katie Price's family are reportedly 'absolutely thrilled' that her husband Lee Andrews has disappeared without a trace, according to sources close to the family. However, there are concerns that the former glamour model may be legally tied to him for up to two years due to the complexity of divorcing a missing spouse.
Background of the Disappearance
It has been over a week since Katie Price last spoke to her husband, Lee Andrews. Last week, Katie posted on YouTube, revealing she had not heard from him for several days. Andrews was originally scheduled to travel to the United Kingdom despite a travel ban, but during a FaceTime call, he told Katie he had been detained and was in the back of a van with his hands tied. Since then, all contact has ceased, and his phone's location services were disabled. He claimed he was taken to a 'black site' and urged Katie to contact the British embassy. Five days after their last conversation, Katie filed a missing person report.
Family's Reaction
The Mirror understands that Katie's family have not voiced their concerns directly to her, as they do not know Lee personally. A source stated: 'This isn't something the family have shared with Kate. As they didn't know Lee personally, they don't feel it's their place to comment. Their priority, as always, is Kate.' However, other reports claim the family is 'relieved' that Lee never made it to the UK to meet her children and worry that Katie may be legally tied to him for two years after their marriage earlier this year.
A source told The Sun: 'Katie's family are absolutely thrilled Lee has disappeared without a trace and hopes it stays that way. They are especially relieved that he never made it to the UK to meet her children or embed himself into her home and life.' The source added: 'The concern now, though, is how Katie will be able to divorce him if she can't find him – she might have to wait at least two years to get a divorce or longer because he can't sign the papers.' There is also worry that Lee may be able to profit from Katie as her husband.
Katie's Response
Katie has been vocal on social media since the disappearance, expressing her distress and dismissing claims that it is a publicity stunt. She fumed: 'Everyone who is trying to speculate, take the p*ss and make jokes, this isn't a scandal, it's something that's really happening, and there are real feelings involved. It could be going on for weeks, months, years, forever. This is not a publicity stunt; this is real, and anyone who thinks I am a part of it is disgusting. I'm really upset and distressed that people think I'm in on it. Are you joking? Come on, give me some credit. Why would I do that?'
Lee's Mother's Plea
Meanwhile, Lee's mother, psychic medium Trisha Andrews, has filed a missing person report with the British Embassy for her son. In a desperate plea, she said: 'Please bring my son back.'
The Mirror has approached Katie's spokesperson for comment.
