Tila Tequila Alleges NFL Star Choked Her
Tila Tequila has accused San Diego Chargers’ linebacker Shawne Merriman of choking her — but he strongly denies it.
According to officials from the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department, police were called to Merriman’s San Diego-area home early Sunday morning after the 27-year-old reality star (real name: Tila Nguyen) says she was choked and later made a citizen’s arrest.
Merriman, 25, was charged with battery and false imprisonment, according to police.
But a lawyer for Steadman denies the allegations, telling the San Diego Union Tribune, “At no time did Mr. Merriman assault her; at no time did Mr. Merriman keep her against her will.”
His lawyer says Steadman was only trying to keep Tila, whom he said was “extremely intoxicated,” safe when he attempted to prevent her from leaving his home.
But Tila shot back on her Twitter page, writing: “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 can’t drink.”
The results of the investigation will be given to the district attorney’s office, which will decide whether to charge Steadman.
