The odd appearance came two days after the shocking death of his fashion icon wife.
The grieving husband of fashion designer Kate Spade was spotted leaving his Manhattan apartment building Thursday while wearing a bizarre disguise.
Andy Spade wore the mask of the mouse Bernard, voiced by Bob Newhart in the 1977 cartoon movie, “The Rescuers,” as he left the Upper East Side building, two days after his wife hanged herself in the apartment.
The 55-year-old businessman was seen walking slowly to a waiting SUV as he was surrounded by photographers.
He appealed for respect, saying, "Do you know the meaning of privacy?"
The appearance came hours after he released a lengthy statement about the death of his wife of 24 years.
"Kate was the most beautiful woman in the world," Spade said. "My daughter and I are devastated by her loss."
Spade also confirmed Kate, 55, battled mental illness.
“Kate suffered from depression and anxiety for many years,” the statement said. “She was actively seeking help and working closely with her doctors to treat her disease. She was taking medication for both depression and anxiety. There was no substance or alcohol abuse."
While Spade moved out of their apartment 10 months ago, he said the two remained close.
“We ate many meals together as a family,” he said. “We were not legally separated, and never even discussed divorce.”
Spade also spoke out against the publishing of Kate’s apparent suicide note that addressed their 13-year-old daughter, Frances Beatrix.
“I have yet to see any note left behind and am appalled that a private message to my daughter has been so heartlessly shared with the media,” Spade said.
Many have been critical of Kate’s reported suicide note that told her daughter she was not to blame, and to ask her father.
Dr. Gail Saltz, a psychiatrist, told Inside Edition, "It’s not good for the child to blame the other parent" because that child will need that other parent in such a time of loss.
Spade’s statement follows comments made by Kate’s sister, Reta Saffo, who claimed Kate’s death was “expected” due to a battle with “bipolar disorder” and used "alcohol to cope."
In an email to Inside Edition, Saffo said, "I have been threatened today by family members for speaking the sad truth. Katy’s truth must be told — and will be!”
Funeral arrangements for Kate Spade have not yet been announced.
RELATED STORIES
