Madoff Son: I Didn't Suspect Dad of Ponzi Scheme

Oct. 31: In this image released by NBC, Catherine Hooper, left, fiance to Andrew Madoff, center, and Ruth Madoff, wife of jailed Ponzi scheme creator Bernie Madoff, before an interview.(AP Photo/NBC)

NEW YORK – Andrew Madoff says he never suspected his financier father of running a Ponzi scheme because he grew up hearing what a legend he was.

He says people had an incredible vision of Bernard Madoff as a "spectacularly skillful trader."

Andrew Madoff made his comments Monday during an appearance with his mother, Ruth, and his fiancee, Catherine Hooper, on NBC's "Today" show.

Their appearance coincided with the publication of "Truth and Consequences," by Laurie Sandell. It contains extensive interviews with family members.

Andrew Madoff says the book provided an opportunity to say in their own words what had really happened and "to speak to the thousands of victims I don't know."

Ruth Madoff says she doesn't miss her imprisoned husband. She says: "The villain of all this is behind bars."