New Delhi, July 11 -- Former US Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has begun divorce proceedings against her husband, Bryon Noem, after revelations about his alleged secret online cross-dressing activity, according to a report.

The report cited Noem's mother, Corinne Arnold, who said the couple's 34-year marriage had reached its end following the controversy.

Speaking to the Daily Mail, Arnold said the family had anticipated the split.

"It has been difficult, but we knew this was coming, that they were going to get divorced," Arnold said.

She recalled speaking to her daughter during a family birthday celebration shortly after the allegations surfaced.

"Finally, I said: 'What's the deal? Are you going to get together again?' And ...