People
Vili Fualaau’s bio, age, wife, children: Where is Mary Kay Letourneau’s ex-husband now?
Vili Fualaau’s life story is one of controversy, love, and transformation. Known for his high-profile relationship with his former teacher, Mary Kay Letourneau, which began when he was just 12 years old, Fualaau has navigated the complexities of life under the public eye. This biography delves into his early years, the scandal that shocked the nation, and his journey toward healing and finding his voice in the aftermath.
Profile summary
Full name | Vili Fualaau |
Gender | Male |
Date of birth | 26 June 1983 |
Age | 41 years old (as of Jan 2025) |
Zodiac sign | Cancer |
Place of birth | Burien, Washington, USA |
Current residence | Seattle, Washington, USA |
Nationality | American |
Ethnicity | Samoan-American |
Hair colour | Black |
Eye colour | Dark brown |
Famous for | Relationship with Mary Kay Letourneau |
Father | Luaiva Fualaau |
Mother | Soona Fualaau |
Number of children | Three (Audrey, Georgia, Sophia) |
Marital status | Divorced (Mary Kay Letourneau, m. 2005–2019) |
Occupation | Former DJ, occasionally public speaker |
Who is Vili Fualaau?
Vili Fualaau, born June 26, 1983, in Burien, Washington, entered the public eye under extraordinary and controversial circumstances. He first met Mary Kay Letourneau, who would become his teacher and later his wife, when he was just a second grader at Shorewood Elementary School. Their relationship, which began when Fualaau was only 12 and Letourneau was 34, evolved into one of the most talked-about scandals of the late 1990s.
How Did Vili Fualaau’s Relationship with Mary Kay Letourneau Begin?
Vili Fualaau’s relationship with Mary Kay Letourneau, a 34-year-old teacher, began when he was in her second-grade class and deepened significantly by the time he reached sixth grade. Despite the vast age difference and the legal implications, their relationship grew, leading to consequences for both.
The relationship, however, turned sexual by the summer of 1996, leading to significant legal troubles. Letourneau was a married mother of four and a popular teacher, and her illegal relationship with Fualaau led to her arrest in 1997. She was convicted on two counts of second-degree child rape after becoming pregnant with Fualaau’s first child. Despite the controversy, their relationship persisted through the years, and they got married and had two daughters, Audrey and Georgia.
Legal troubles for Mary Kay Letourneau?
Mary Kay Letourneau faced severe legal consequences for her relationship with Fualaau. She was arrested in 1997 and subsequently sentenced to over seven years in prison, serving about six months before being paroled. The conditions of her parole were violated when she was found with Fualaau again, resulting in her return to prison, where she served out her sentence.
How did Fualaau’s early life influence his future?
Growing up as one of four children in a Samoan-American family, Fualaau faced challenges early on. His relationship with Letourneau, initially nurtured under the guise of artistic encouragement and mentorship, quickly escalated beyond a typical student-teacher dynamic. This relationship not only shaped his early adulthood but also had a lasting impact on his personal and professional life.
Fualaau’s life after the trial
After Letourneau’s release from prison and subsequent marriage to Fualaau in 2005, the couple tried to live an everyday life in Seattle. Fualaau worked as a DJ, using the stage name “DJ Headline. ” The couple occasionally hosted events, including a “Hot for Teacher” night at a local club. They lived together until their separation in 2017 and eventual divorce in 2019.
How Has Fualaau Responded to Media Portrayals of His Story?
Fualaau has expressed dissatisfaction with how the media has depicted his story, especially in the 2023 film May December. Given the apparent similarities to his life with Letourneau, he criticized the filmmakers for failing to consult him. He is determined to safeguard his narrative, highlighting the nuances that films and media often miss.
Who are Fualaau’s children?
Vili Fualaau is a father of three. His daughters, Letourneau, Audrey, and Georgia, grew up under intense media scrutiny. Audrey was born in 1997 and Georgia in 1998, while Letourneau was still intermittently in prison. In 2022, Fualaau welcomed his third daughter, Sophia, with another partner, highlighting a new chapter in his life as a father and, more recently, a grandfather with Georgia’s child born in early 2024.
FAQs
What happened to Mary Kay Letourneau? Mary Kay Letourneau passed away from colon cancer in July 2020. Despite their divorce, Fualaau was present during her final months, demonstrating the complex, enduring bond they shared.
Is Vili Fualaau still in the public eye? While Fualaau has stepped back from the intense public scrutiny of his earlier years, he occasionally speaks out regarding his portrayal in the media. He continues living in Seattle, focusing on his family and DJ career.
How does Fualaau view his relationship with Letourneau in hindsight? He has a nuanced view of it, acknowledging its illegality and controversy and recognising their genuine affection, which led to their marriage and family.