Ev and Ocho Divorce: Evelyn Lozada Files For Divorce From Chad Johnson
Newlywed Evelyn Lozada has filed for divorce from Chad “Ochocinco” Johnson.
Lozada filed legal papers at the Broward County Courthouse in Florida on Tuesday afternoon, claiming her marriage is “irretrievably broken.” Her attorney told RadarOnline.com in a statement: “Given recent events in my client’s life, she has decided to file for divorce and move forward with her life.”
The couple were married July 4, 2012, barely six weeks ago, and they never even went on honeymoon. Johnson tweeted throughout the ceremony and told fans on Twitter there would be no honeymoon because, at the time, he immediately had to return to training for the Miami Dolphins. Except, now, he’s unemployed after being fired from the team as wide receiver right after getting out of jail on $2,500 bond for domestic violence. And, incidentally, his and Lozada’s Basketball Wives wedding spin-off Ev and Ocho was pulled by VH1.
This morning, Lozada released a statement imploring Johnson to get help for anger management issues (he also has an arrest from 2000, when he was found guilty of misdemeanor domestic battery for slapping a girlfriend). The statement said: “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.”
Lozada’s stepfather Manny Ortega spoke to Celebuzz.com saying: “I’m sure once I speak with him, it’s not going to be pretty. Any man that hits a woman, is not a man. It doesn’t surprise me [that she filed for divorce]. She’s old enough to make her own decisions and I’m 100 percent behind her.” Ortega told Johnson on the couple’s July 4 wedding day, “I told him, ‘You do not marry a punching bag. We’re giving you our baby. Treat her like a queen and a lady. If you’re going to lift a hand, walk away. Nobody is perfect. If she’s arguing, walk away, then come back and work it out.’ I met him the day of the wedding and she never said anything about him being violent. She said, ‘I’m happy and I’m in love.’ But sometimes you don’t see everything.”
And Johnson issued a statement saying he’s sorry and he’s still in love with his estranged wife: “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.”
Here’s a screen grab of the pending case on the county courthouse’s website.
