Trigger Warning: This article includes discussions of alleged domestic violence and abuse.
Marcellus Wiley has shared his side of a deeply personal legal battle after new court filings revealed how his recent arrest affected him and his family. The former NFL player said deputies arrested him in front of his children, while his divorce from former Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star Annemarie Wiley continues to unfold.
The latest filings tell two very different stories. They also set the stage for what could become a lengthy court fight.
Marcellus Wiley says his arrest deeply affected both him and his children
According to PEOPLE, Marcellus filed a declaration on July 17 while responding to Annemarie’s request for a domestic violence restraining order in Los Angeles County. He wrote that July 4 started like any other family holiday.
“The day began as an ordinary day,” Marcellus wrote. He said he spent time “watching sports and enjoying the holiday” with his children before deputies arrived. He added, “Nothing had occurred that morning that would have caused me to believe police had been contacted. I was completely surprised when law enforcement officers arrived,” according to People.
Marcellus also described the arrest as a painful experience for his family. “I was arrested in front of my children and others who were present,” he wrote. He added, “It was one of the most humiliating and heartbreaking experiences of my life, particularly because I knew I had not abused my wife or my children,” People reported.
The publication previously reported that Orange County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a battery call around 4:30 p.m. on July 4. A Sheriff’s Office spokesperson told People, “Upon arrival, deputies met with the victim who stated Marcellus Wiley battered her.” Authorities released him the following day on a $1,000 bond. Annemarie later alleged that he attended their son’s basketball game after his release.
On July 6, Annemarie filed for divorce, citing irreconcilable differences, and requested a domestic violence restraining order. According to People, she alleged Marcellus subjected her to “a continuing and escalating pattern of physical violence, sexual abuse, verbal and emotional abuse, financial control, and intimidation.” Her filing traced the allegations back to 2012 and claimed the latest incident happened during the family’s Orlando trip for their son Marcellus Jr.’s basketball tournament. She also alleged Marcellus “yelled at me and forcefully jammed his finger into my face” while she lay in bed with their 7-year-old daughter.
Marcellus denied the allegations in his response. He wrote, “Reading Petitioner’s allegations was heartbreaking, embarrassing, and genuinely shocking.” He also stated, “I have never physically abused, sexually assaulted, or intentionally harmed my wife at any point during our relationship,” according to People. The outlet added that it contacted representatives for both Marcellus and Annemarie for comment.
TELL US – WHAT DO YOU MAKE OF THE CONTRASTING CLAIMS IN MARCELLUS AND ANNEMARIE WILEY’S DIVORCE FILINGS?
RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network): Call 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) or utilize their RAINN Online Chat for confidential support, crisis intervention, and local resource navigation.
