Paul Qui (Photo by Austin Police Dept.)
AUSTIN, Texas (AP) – The 2012 winner of the Bravo TV show, “Top Chef,” has been charged with assaulting his girlfriend in Texas.
Austin police say Paul Qui was arrested the morning of March 19 on misdemeanor charges of unlawful restraint and of assault causing injury-family violence.
According to an arrest affidavit, Qui’s girlfriend says he prevented her from leaving an apartment with her child by pushing her and throwing her against walls, doors and furniture. Qui told police he “only was grabbing and holding her.”
The affidavit says the apartment was in disarray with broken furniture and glass.
Qui posted bond and was released later on March 19.
Qui, the first Filipino American to win the “Top Chef” reality cooking competition, said in a statement that he would be seeking treatment for his problems.
‘‘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,’’ Qui wrote. ‘‘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.”
Ruth Bayang contributed to this report.