The Bachelor franchise creator Mike Fleiss files for divorce from second wife Laura Kaeppeler

The Bachelor franchise creator Mike Fleiss has reportedly filed for divorce from Laura Kaeppeler.

Fleiss was married to Kaeppeler for five years and has a prenuptial agreement with his second wife, according to TMZ. 

Legal documents show that he’s seeking ‘joint legal and physical custody’ of their four-year-old son, Benjamin.  

His net worth is reported to be around $100million, with more than $25million earned in the last year alone. 

The 55-year-old writer and producer is set to pay Kaeppeler ‘both child and spousal support’ as detailed in their prenup. 

Their wedding on April 6, 2014, was officiated by The Bachelor host Chris Harrison. 

Fleiss was a judge during the Miss America 2012 pageant in which Kaeppeler won the coveted crown. 

Last December, the Fleiss and Kaeppeler listed their mansion for $18.75million. 

The news of the couple’s divorce comes two months after Fleiss and Harrison were involved in a back-and-forth with Kelly Ripa who criticized the show and called it ‘disgusting’.

‘You know how I feel about this show. It disgusts me. I can’t stand the idea of 25 exceptional women fighting over one, ordinary fella, in my opinion. You know how I feel ladies! We are too special to be arguing over a guy,’ Ripa said on an episode of episode of Live With Kelly and Ryan.

Ripa’s remark sparked a reaction from Harrison and Fleiss who slammed her on Twitter for her comments. 

Fleiss was married to Kaeppeler (pictured in 2014) for five years and has a prenuptial agreement. Legal documents show that he’s seeking ‘joint legal and physical custody’ of their four-year-old son, Benjamin

Harrison was the first to respond as he tweeted: ‘Look out #BachelorNation ⁦@KellyRipa⁩ is coming after you and your ‘disgusting’ Monday night habit.’ 

Fleiss also slammed the morning show host, writing on Twitter: ‘Easy, @KellyRipa … #TheBachelor franchise pays your salary!’ referring to their shared network ABC. 

In 2011, Fleiss filed for divorce from his high school sweetheart, Alexandra Vorbeck after they separated in 2010. The couple cited irreconcilable differences.

Fleiss and Vorbeck have two adult children together. They married in August 1987 when he was a sportswriter.

In 2009, while he was still married to Vorbeck, Fleiss said: ‘It’s hard to find people who are compatible enough to stay together. Look at the divorce rate in this country. It’s always for now. Everyone’s relationship is for now; me and my wife are for now.’ 

The California-native is known for creating The Bachelor in 2002 and, after 24 seasons, is widely known as one of the most successful reality franchises.

The Bachelorette debuted in 2003 with Trista Sutter and is wrapping up its 13th season with Hannah Brown.