It’s not known yet if Sandra Bullock and Jesse James’ five-year union will end up in divorce court or if they will reconcile, but the shape and size of the scandal’s fallout is beginning to become clear.
The scandal will tarnish James star, but could only intensify audiences’ affection for Bullock, say public-relations gurus and relationship experts.
If media reports are to be believed, James carried on an 11-month affair with Michelle McGee, all while Bullock was shooting the "Blind Side" role that earned her an Oscar for Best Actress and cemented her status as box-office queen.
Reaction to the scandal — just a matter of days after tough-guy James shed tears while Bullock accepted her Oscar — has made it clear that Bullock is winning the sympathy vote.