Chad ‘Ochocinco’ Johnson reacts to Evelyn Lozada’s divorce filing: ‘I truly love her to death’
And we thought Kim Kardashian’s 72-day marriage was short. “Basketball Wives” star Evelyn Lozada filed for divorce from NFL wide receiver Chad “Ochocinco” Johnson on Tuesday – 41 days after their July 4 wedding – in the wake of a domestic abuse incident that happened over the weekend in which he actually head-butted his new wife during an argument. The reality star filed in Florida (she’s located in Miami) claiming the union was “irretrievably broken.” The divorce papers also state that the couple did have a prenuptial agreement.
"It is my sincere hope that he seeks the help he needs to overcome his troubles,” Lozada told TMZ before her filing. “Domestic violence is not okay and hopefully my taking a stand will help encourage other women to break their silence as well."
But Johnson’s violent act against Lozada didn’t just affect her. Because of the incident, he was let go from the Miami Dolphins effective immediately. VH1 also pulled the plug on their upcoming reality show, “Ev and Ocho,” which chronicled their relationship leading up to their wedding in St. Maarten.
In a post on his website Tuesday, Johnson, a onetime “Dancing With the Stars” contestant, wrote: “I would like to apologize to everyone for the recent events that have occurred. I would like to wish Evelyn well and will never say anything bad about her because I truly love her to death. I will continue to be positive and train hard for another opportunity in the NFL. To all the fans and supporters I have disappointed, you have my sincerest apologies. I will stay positive and get through this tough period in my life."
The alleged attack that took place on Saturday night all stemmed from a receipt for condoms that Lozada found in her husband’s car. According to what she told police, when she confronted Johnson, 34, about her discovery, he head-butted her (she was later treated at the hospital and received stitches). TMZ reports that this was not the first time the football player has gotten violent with a woman. In 2000, when he was still in college, Johnson was convicted of misdemeanor domestic battery against his then-girlfriend after he slapped her in the face. He was sentenced to 45 days in L.A. County jail and three years probation – but he was able to swap jail time in return for 30 days of graffiti removal work … which he took two years to complete.
More Celebrity Features on Yahoo!:
