Man blames TV Show for broken marriage

A New York man who appeared on Jerry Seinfield's NBC reality show "The Marriage Ref" has sued the comedian and show, claiming that

after appearing on the program his wife became so obsessed with becoming a star that it broke up their marriage.

The defendant, Howie Kohlenberg, appeared on the show with his wife, Christine, in a March 2010 episode with a celebrity panel featuring Seinfield, Eva Longoria and Tina Fey. Kohnlenberg claims he and Christine were happily married before the show but were struggling financially due to their now-defunct Manhattan spa.

"We did it to drum up some business," he told the New York Post of their decision to appear on the program. "They promised to promote the spa on air. They didn't."

Kohlenberg went on to tell the newspaper that producers encouraged the couple to bicker for the camera and that during the filming process Christine became obsessed over becoming a reality television star. After their segment aired, Christine reportedly landed a small part in the comedy "Chakra Love" where she met a producer and subsequently ran away with him to Canada.

Kohlenberg was left with a sour view on reality television.

"They make you jump through hoops, the bottom line is they don't [care]. You're just another number."

For his part, Seinfield did not seemed perturbed about the lawsuit when questioned by reporters about the case.

"I love it, I love, I love it!" Seinfield, who is co-creator of "The Marriage Ref" told the New York Daily News. "When people get upset I enjoy it."