Marcellus Wiley denies abuse claims in restraining order fight
The former NFL player told the court his marriage to Annemarie Wiley had strain, but denied physically or sexually abusing her.
By Poppy Nakagawa · Culture Writer
2 min read
Marcellus Wiley has told a court that his marriage to Annemarie Wiley was troubled, while firmly rejecting her allegations of abuse, according to TMZ.
The former NFL player filed a response late Friday to Annemarie’s request for a domestic violence restraining order, TMZ reported. In the filing, Wiley described her claims as painful and humiliating, and said they are false.
Wiley acknowledged in the court papers that the relationship had serious strain. But he denied ever physically abusing, sexually assaulting or intentionally harming Annemarie during their time together, according to TMZ.
The filing also addresses allegations involving marital intimacy. TMZ reported that Wiley said he was hurt to learn Annemarie had described some of their intimacy as rape, and he denied forcing, coercing or sexually assaulting her.
July 4 weekend arrest addressed
Wiley also responded to allegations tied to a July 4 weekend trip, during which police arrested him and booked him on a domestic battery charge, according to TMZ.
In the filing, Wiley said he did not strike, shove, poke, grab or put his hands on Annemarie in anger during that trip, TMZ reported. The charge and the restraining order request remain part of an ongoing legal dispute, and the allegations have not been proven in court.
Wiley further claimed that police had not been called to the couple’s home during their marriage over alleged abuse, according to TMZ. He said he first learned of Annemarie’s allegations after she filed for divorce.
Temporary order limits contact
A judge granted Annemarie’s request for a temporary restraining order earlier this month, TMZ reported. Wiley said in his response that one of the most difficult parts of the case has been losing contact with his children.
He asked the court to review the evidence carefully before making a decision, according to TMZ.
The latest filing is not Wiley’s first public denial. After Annemarie filed for divorce, he released a statement in which he denied her allegations and claimed she had “lost her mind,” TMZ reported.
TMZ also reported that Wiley recently submitted another legal document saying a witness was present during the Fourth of July weekend and would contradict Annemarie’s allegations against him.
Annemarie Wiley, a former “Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” cast member, is seeking protection through the court as the divorce and restraining order proceedings continue. Marcellus Wiley, who played in the NFL before moving into sports media, is asking the court to reject the abuse claims against him.
This story draws on original reporting from TMZ.