Judge defends actions in Shelton-Lambert divorce case

Blake Shelton (left) and Miranda Lambert are shown in this February 2011 file photo. Shelton and Lambert have announced their divorce after four years of marriage.
Blake Shelton (left) and Miranda Lambert are shown in this February 2011 file photo. Shelton and Lambert have announced their divorce after four years of marriage.

SHAWNEE, Okla. — An Oklahoma judge is defending his actions in letting country singers Blake Shelton and Miranda Lambert keep details of their divorce a secret.

The Oklahoman reported that attorneys and others had criticized Pottawatomie County Associate District Judge John Gardner in sealing the musicians' entire divorce file.

Gardner made public a protective order Tuesday explaining his July 6 decision. He is retiring this week.

Gardner said allowing the case to be public would have greatly compromised the personal and financial privacy of both parties. He noted that matters in the case would have garnered "significant publicity" that most others wouldn't.

Shelton and Lambert announced they were divorcing last week after four years of being married.

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