Damn, what the hell happened to Paul Qui? The renowned Austin chef, restaurateur and winner of Top Chef season 9 was arrested Saturday for allegedly assaulting his girlfriend in a drug and alcohol-fueled rage.
Austin 'Top Chef' winner Paul Qui arrested, accused of assaulting girlfriend
Qui, the 2012 winner of Bravo's hit cooking competition series, was arrested on charges unlawful restraint, a Class A misdemeanor, as well as assault causing bodily injury to a family member, a Class A misdemeanor.
Austin police responded to Qui's apartment in East Austin on Saturday morning after receiving a call from Qui's friend who said "his friend and his girlfriend were fighting" in the apartment. According to court documents, officers arrived at the apartment to find Qui with "blood all over his face, arms, legs and clothing," the apartment in complete disarray, and a woman -- Qui's girlfriend -- crying and clutching a small child.
According to the victim, Qui had become jealous and violent after a night of drugs and alcohol.
According to the affidavit, she said that Qui had invited some friends to the apartment the night before and that "they were all indulging in cocaine, Xanax, alcohol and marijuana." She said Qui invited her to join them and she "had a couple of drinks," the affidavit said.
But Qui became jealous and accused his friends of flirting with her "and enticing her into having group sex," she told police. According to the affidavit, Qui kicked his friends out of the apartment before he "became enraged and started knocking over furniture, shelves, tables and breaking glass."
The woman said she grabbed her son and a few things in an attempt to leave, but Qui stood in front of the door and pushed her away or to the floor each time she tried to leave, the affidavit said. She told police that Qui threw her against walls and doors and that she suffered pain in her hip, knee and arm. The officer said he noticed a "fresh cut on her right forearm and bruising on her upper arms" and that the right side of her jaw was slightly puffy and swollen, the affidavit said.
Qui was arrested and released later that day after posting bond. He released a statement about the arrest via email, claiming he is innocent of the assault charge:
"On Saturday morning, I asked my friend to call the police to aid in an argument with my girlfriend that had escalated beyond my control. I was arrested and charged with two misdemeanors. I am innocent of the charge of assault.
This situation made me realize that I need to take more time for my health and myself. I will be checking myself into a treatment facility in the coming days and I am appreciative of the support of my family, friends and partners. Thank you for respecting my privacy."
More here: Austin 'Top Chef' Paul Qui found bloodied, charged with assault