NEW YORK (AP) - Evelyn Lozada is ending her 41-day-old marriage to Chad Johnson after the football star was arrested for allegedly head-butting her over the weekend.
A representative for the VH1 reality star confirmed reports that Lozada filed for divorce Tuesday.
“Given the recent events that have taken place, Evelyn has decided to file for divorce and move on with her life,” Lozada’s lawyer, Michael B. Gilden, told the TV show “The Insider” in a statement.
Johnson released his own statement _ the first since his arrest _ on his official website, OCNN, and reaffirmed his love for Lozada.
“I am going to let the legal process run its course. I wish Evelyn nothing but the best, I have no negative words to say about her, the only thing I can say is I love her very much,” said Johnson, who was dumped by the Miami Dolphins a day after the arrest.
“I will continue to be positive and stay training hard for another opportunity in the NFL. I appreciate all my fans and supporters and if I have disappointed you in any way, you have my sincerest apologies. Once again I will continue to stay positive and appreciate all the support during this tough period in my life.”
The marriage imploded Saturday after an argument between the two ended with Lozada being treated at a hospital for lacerations to her head.
According to Davie, Fla., police, Lozada found a receipt for condoms and confronted Johnson about it at dinner. The argument continued during their drive home, and when they arrived at their driveway, he allegedly head-butted her.
In a 911 call released by authorities, a neighbor told police that there was an incident involving a “high-profile person” and is heard telling Lozada to wipe the blood from her head. Lozada is heard saying that Johnson head-butted her, and the caller says Lozada will probably need stitches.
However, Johnson told police she head-butted him.
Earlier Tuesday, Lozada said in a statement: “I am deeply disappointed that Chad has failed to take responsibility for his actions and made false accusations against me, it is my sincere hope that he seeks the help he needs to overcome his troubles. Domestic violence is not okay and hopefully my taking a stand will help encourage other women to break their silence as well.”
However, Lozada has been prone to violence: On the VH1 series “Basketball Wives,” where she gained her fame, she became infamous for attacks on other cast mates. In June, she apologized for her behavior and in a letter to her younger self posted on The Huffington Post, she blamed her penchant for fighting on violence in her own household growing up.
Johnson is a six-time Pro Bowler who last season was on the New England Patriots. His July 4 wedding to Lozada _ whom he courted publicly on “Basketball Wives” _ was taped for a spinoff show, “Ev & Ocho.” It was due to debut Sept. 3, but VH1 shelved it after Johnson’s weekend arrest.
Johnson _ formerly known as Chad Ochocinco _ and Lozada were prominently featured in the recent first episode of HBO’s “Hard Knocks: Training Camp With the Miami Dolphins.”
Lozada was the former fiancee of former NBA player Antoine Walker and has been one of the main stars of “Basketball Wives,” which also features Shaunie O’Neal, the former wife of former NBA star Shaquille O’Neal.
In court papers filed Tuesday, Lozada says the two had a premarital agreement but asks Johnson pay for her attorney fees associated with the divorce.
Besides ending her marriage, Lozada also was mourning the loss of her brother-in-law, who walked her down the aisle and was to be a part of the “Ev & Ocho” show.
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Nekesa Mumbi Moody is the AP’s Global Entertainment & Lifestyles Editor. Follow her at https://www.twitter.com/nekesamumbi
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AP Sports Writer Steven Wine contributed to this report.
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