Chrystie Scott, Bruce Jenner's college sweetheart and first wife, watched his Diane Sawyer special on Friday night, along with nearly 17 million other Americans.
But she watched it with Bruce, and... she had known his secret all along.
In an exclusive interview with Access Hollywood's Stephanie Bauer (the day after the "20/20" episode aired), she explained that she is "so relieved" the world finally knows this "big, big, big dark secret" that she had been guarding, and that she no longer has to cover for her ex-husband.
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(As Bruce admitted in the ABC special, decades ago, Chrystie was the first person he ever told about his self-proclaimed "issues" and his secret cross-dressing.)
Chrystie revealed to Access that the broadcast of the two-hour interview was a family affair. She and Bruce watched the special with his second ex-wife, Linda, all of the Jenner kids (including Kendall and Kylie), their partners/spouses, and the grandkids.
Chrystie described the vibe among the big group – including her two children with Bruce – as "emotional," "nervous" and "tense" over what they might hear on the show. But she said there was no moment in particular that stood out as an uncomfortable moment for Bruce.
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When asked how the night ended as Bruce parted ways with his family, she stated that he left in a rush.
"Bruce was in a big hurry. There wasn't much that was said," she said.
As for how she feels about what was revealed in the special (much of which she already knew), she said, "He was as honest as possible at this point in his life. And hopefully he will be more honest in the future."
Chrystie, who supports her ex's transition, reiterated that this is as truthful as he can possibly be right now, but implied there is more that Bruce needs to admit to the world, and there is more that he needs to do on behalf of his kids.
"He's got a ways to go on this fatherhood itinerary before he can really look himself in the eye," she said.
-- Access Hollywood Staff
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