Protector of 'Traditional Marriage' and Supporter of Prop 8, Doug Manchester Left Wife, Faces Divorce

Hotelier Doug Manchester, whose Manchester Hyatt in San Diego is under boycott for his contribution of $125,000 to Prop 8's signature campaign, which ultimately led to its success, is divorcing his wife of 43 years.

At the time of his donation, he told the New York Times that his reason was because of his “Catholic faith and longtime affiliation with the Catholic Church,” which prefers marriage to be between a man and a woman. He should probably ask what the church thinks of his divorce.

The San Diego City Beat reports:

On Oct. 9, 2008, Manchester ended 43 years, eight months and nine days of marriage to Elizabeth Manchester by moving out of their La Jolla abode. The couple spent the next several months trying to reach a quiet settlement on how best to distribute millions of dollars in cash and other assets. In July, those talks totally broke down, and Doug started playing financial hardball with Elizabeth, allegedly draining the couple’s shared accounts and stealing her mail. On Aug. 6, Elizabeth filed a petition for redress in family court.

No "quiet settlement" now. This bitter divorce is getting worse, with accusations of signature fraud, mail stealing and hiding assets.

Doug wrote an email to Elizabeth, which the petition for divorce cites, saying he “wish[es] to pursue all rights to protect all of [his] separate property and wish[es] also to litigate vigorously any and all spousal support.” (Brackets quoted from the petition).

Hypocrisy knows no bounds.

The Manchesters will next meet in court on Sept. 17, 2009.