"Top Chef" Season 9's grand winner Paul Qui has been arrested for allegedly attacking his girlfriend in their apartment in Austin. The restaurateur was booked by the police on Saturday, March 19.
On the day of the incident, enforcers from Austin Police Department went to Qui's apartment after receiving a call from the chef's friend who said that Qui and his girlfriend are fighting. The police arrived at the scene shortly before 8 a.m., US Weekly has learned.
Upon reaching the unit, the officers heard someone screaming from inside so they urgently knocked. It was Qui who opened the door and they were surprised to see the chef having blood on his face, arms, legs and clothes.
The law enforcers also noted blood stains on the walls and floors of the apartment. The whole place was in total disarray, with overturned and broken furniture and fixtures. As for the girlfriend, she was spotted crying in a corner while holding a small child. She has visible bruises and cut on her forearm.
As stated in the victim's affidavit, Qui was charged with assault with injury and family violence, both are deemed class A misdemeanors. The documents also suggest that the root cause of the fight was jealousy.
In the narration of the unnamed victim, she was asleep with her son when the chef arrived with his friends. She alleged that the group started to drink alcohol and used drugs. Later, Qui woke her up so she can join them.
The woman further said that when the chef was already very drunk, he suddenly got mad and accused his friends of trying to lure her to participate in group sex. Qui then kicked his friends out of the house and began throwing furniture around.
When she tried to leave with her son, Qui stopped them and she was pushed. She sustained cuts and bruises because she was thrown against the wall while being told that she cannot leave.
The chef posted bond of $20,000 and was released few hours following his arrest on March 19. Afterwards, via a local food blogsite, he released a statement declaring his innocence.
Qui said that on Saturday morning, he requested his friend to call the police because the argument with his girlfriend had intensified. He further stated, "I was arrested and charged with two misdemeanors. I am innocent of the charge of assault."
Lastly, Qui said that he will register himself at a treatment facility after the incident made him realized that he needed to focus on his health and self too. At the end, he thanked his family, friends and partners for the support and respecting his privacy.
Watch 'Top Chef' Paul Qui as he joins Jeanne in her morning cooking show: