Tulsi Gabbard’s sister-in-law sought protection after brother’s arrest
Kimberley Gabbard claimed in a court petition that Bhakti Gabbard had shown erratic behavior before his arrest in Hawaii.
By Bianca Rossi · Entertainment Editor
3 min read
Tulsi Gabbard’s sister-in-law asked a court for protection from Bhakti Gabbard on the same day he was charged over an alleged incident involving children at a Waikīkī hotel pool, TMZ reported.
Kimberley Gabbard, who is married to Tulsi’s brother Bhakti, filed for a temporary restraining order on July 17, according to a petition obtained by TMZ. In the filing, she claimed her husband of nearly 10 years had recently displayed behavior that left her worried for her safety.
TMZ reported that the filing came the same day Bhakti was charged in connection with an alleged July 12 encounter at a hotel pool in Waikīkī. Police have accused him of trying to draw several children into his hotel room by offering gum and money, according to TMZ’s account of the case.
Wife cited alleged mental health concerns
In her petition, Kimberley claimed Bhakti had been acting in a way she described as bizarre and impulsive, TMZ reported. She alleged he had recently begun using the names “Batarti” and “Jim Morrison Jr.”
Kimberley also claimed in the filing that Bhakti had experienced what she called a psychotic break, according to TMZ. She wrote that she had photos and videos that she believed showed the conduct that frightened her.
The petition said Bhakti is mentally ill and has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder and narcissism, TMZ reported. Those claims were made by Kimberley in her court filing.
Kimberley also alleged that she and members of Bhakti’s family had repeatedly urged him to get psychiatric care because of what she described as a decline in his mental state and judgment, according to the petition cited by TMZ.
She asked the court to issue an order protecting her safety and well-being.
Court denied immediate order
The court denied the temporary restraining order request that would have barred Bhakti from coming within 100 feet of Kimberley except for court proceedings, TMZ reported.
A hearing was set for later this month, according to TMZ.
The report did not include a response from Bhakti Gabbard to Kimberley’s allegations in the restraining order petition.
Police described hotel pool allegations
Bhakti Gabbard was arrested on July 17, TMZ previously reported. Police accused him of trying to lure multiple children into his hotel room during the July 12 incident at the Waikīkī hotel pool.
According to police claims reported by TMZ, Bhakti also asked the children for their names and wrote them down in a notebook. A woman later reported the encounter to police, TMZ said.
Bhakti, Tulsi Gabbard’s older brother, has been charged with second-degree custodial interference, according to TMZ.
This story draws on original reporting from TMZ.