He says she was intoxicated when they were involved in an argument on Sunday, September 6, but she shoots back at his allegation, insisting she is allergic to alcohol.
- Sep 8, 2009
AceShowbiz - The battery and false imprisonment case involving Tila Tequila and her sportsman boyfriend Shawne Merriman is escalating as both of them have quite different stories of the incident. Soon after being released from police custody on $58,000 bail on Sunday, September 6, Shwane issues statement to FOXSports.com, insisting he didn't choke or physically restrain Tila like her allegations.
"On September 6, 2009 the San Diego Sheriff's Department responded to a citizen's complaint that was initiated by Tila Nguyen (aka Tila Tequila). I was taken into custody based upon that complaint," Shawne revealed. "At the time, I was concerned about her welfare given the intoxicated state she appeared to be in and I encouraged her to stay until safe transportation could be provided."
Shawne continued, "We would all do our best to help a friend if we considered their actions to be detrimental to their personal safety. I in no way caused any harm to Ms. Nguyen, however, paramedics were called and she was examined but no injuries were reported. She was released and has since returned to Los Angeles, California."
"There have been no charges filed against me. I want to thank the San Diego Sheriff's Department for their professionalism. I will continue to cooperate fully with the Department, and I look forward to clearing my name regarding these false allegations. I want to put this behind me so I can continue to focus on a successful season for the San Diego Chargers," the football outside linebacker concluded.
Tila, however, is quick to respond to Shawne's denial, taking it to her Twitter page to deny his claim that she was intoxicated when the assault happened on early Sunday. "I am allergic to alcohol. It has been publicly known for years. That is how I got the name Tila 'Tequila' cuz the irony. I cant drink," the reality TV star insisted.
Tila Tequila was, on Sunday, taken to the local Pomerado Hospital for treatment after being choked by Shawne Merriman following an argument happened at his Southern California house. Making a 911 call at 3:45 A.M., she told authorities she had been choked by Shawne and was physically restrained by him after she tried to leave his house. Signing a complaint against Shawne at the scene, she accused him of battery and false imprisonment that led to his arrest.
