TikTok | Jay Guap3TikTok | Jay Guapo

A viral video recorded in New York City’s Central Park has thrust prominent attorney Nathaniel Cullerton into the public spotlight, with the repercussions reportedly extending far beyond social media. 

The married Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz partner is now facing uncertainty over both his professional future and a high-profile career move after footage of him kissing a younger colleague circulated online. 

According to reports, the controversy has already disrupted a lucrative opportunity that could have been worth tens of millions of dollars over the course of his career.

Married Lawyer Kiss Went Viral After Central Park Encounter

The Married Lawyer Kiss first captured attention after TikTok creator Jay Guapo filmed Cullerton and his colleague, 29-year-old Kelsey Borenzweig, passionately kissing on a bench along the western edge of Central Park.

The creator interrupted the pair by saying, “Get a room. There’s kids around.” In another version of the interaction, he could also be heard saying, “Get a room. There’s kids watching.”

Realizing they were being recorded, Cullerton and Borenzweig immediately tried to shield themselves from the camera. 

Cullerton then walked toward Guapo and demanded, “Put the phone down,” but the recording continued.

Once uploaded to TikTok, the clip spread rapidly across social media. Online commenters quickly identified both lawyers, turning what appeared to be a private encounter into one of the legal industry’s biggest talking points.

The Incident Reportedly Cost Attorney A Multi-Million Dollar Opportunity

The timing of the viral video could not have been worse for Cullerton.

According to the Financial Times, the 45-year-old attorney was preparing to leave Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz for rival Manhattan firm Gibson Dunn alongside several other partners. However, the outlet reported that Gibson Dunn withdrew its offer after the video went viral.

According to reports, Cullerton earns at least $4 million annually as a junior partner at Wachtell, while senior partners at the elite firm average around $12 million each year.

Although the proposed Gibson Dunn compensation package has not been disclosed, there were claims that Wachtell likely would have countered with “even more” money to keep him from leaving. 

Instead, sources believe the married lawyer kiss scandal could ultimately cost him tens of millions of dollars over the course of his career.

Cullerton has reportedly been placed on leave while Wachtell conducts an internal investigation into the incident.

The Married Lawyer Kiss Incident Involved Lawyers Behind OpenAI’s Courtroom Victory

Before the controversy erupted, Cullerton and Borenzweig worked together on one of the year’s most closely watched legal battles.

Both attorneys were members of the Wachtell team representing OpenAI in its successful defense against Elon Musk’s $150 billion lawsuit in California.

The defense was led by renowned trial lawyer Bill Savitt, described as the “mastermind” behind the victory. Savitt was recently recruited by Gibson Dunn and brought several senior trial lawyers with him.

According to reports, Cullerton had also been expected to join that move. A photograph taken during the May 2026 trial showed Cullerton smiling as he entered the federal courthouse in Oakland with Borenzweig walking only a few steps behind him.

Despite the public attention, it remains unclear when their relationship allegedly began or whether it had ever been disclosed to human resources.

The Scandal Brings New Attention To Nathaniel Cullerton’s Family

The controversy has also placed renewed attention on Cullerton’s personal life.

Cullerton is married to Moira Kim Penza, a partner at Wilkinson Stekloff. The couple tied the knot in February 2016 and are listed as sharing a residence along Manhattan’s exclusive Fifth Avenue corridor.

Before joining private practice, Penza served as a federal prosecutor and led the case that secured the conviction of NXIVM sex cult leader Keith Raniere.

Meanwhile, questions remain about the investigation itself. It is not yet known whether Cullerton’s leave from Wachtell is paid, and it is also unclear whether Borenzweig is being investigated in connection with the viral footage.

As of Wednesday morning, both Cullerton’s and Borenzweig’s attorney profiles remained active on Wachtell’s website, even as the Married Lawyer Kiss scandal continued to generate widespread discussion throughout New York’s legal community.

Married Lawyer Kiss Scandal Sparks Memories Of Coldplay’s Viral Kiss Cam Moment

The controversy surrounding Cullerton has also drawn comparisons to the infamous Coldplay jumbotron kiss cam moment that captivated the internet. 

During the band’s July 16, 2025, concert at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, the stadium camera focused on Astronomer CEO Andy Byron with his arms around the company’s Chief People Officer, Kristin Cabot. 

The pair immediately recoiled when they realized they were on the giant screen, with Byron ducking out of view while Cabot turned away and covered her face. 

Watching the awkward exchange unfold, frontman Chris Martin joked to the crowd, “Either they’re having an affair or they’re very shy,” a remark that sent the clip racing across social media. 

Internet sleuths quickly identified the pair, triggering weeks of headlines, memes, parody videos, and intense public scrutiny. 

The incident ultimately had real-world consequences, culminating in Byron’s departure from Astronomer.

The Another Unholy Romance Caught On Camera Could Cost A Married Lawyer Millions first appeared on The Blast