Top Chef: Texas winner Paul Qui was arrested for allegedly assaulting his girlfriend of one year.
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Qui, who won Top Chef's ninth season in 2011 and owns a restaurant in Texas, was arrested on charges of unlawful restraint and assault causing bodily injury to a family member. However, he was released that same day on $20,000 bond.
According to court documents, one of Qui's friends reportedly called police on Saturday after a fight broke out between the chef and his girlfriend, during which items were being broken inside their shared home.
Qui's girlfriend, who had been living with the chef for eight months, told officers that Qui hosted a party late Friday night and his friends were under the influence of cocaine, Xanax, marijuana and alcohol. She reportedly attempted to sleep through the gathering until friends requested she join the party and so she had several drinks.
The girlfriend claimed Qui was intoxicated and accused his friends of flirting with her and trying to persuade her to have group sex. After kicking his pals out, Qui "became enraged and started knocking over furniture," People reported.
Court documents reveal the girlfriend attempted to leave the apartment with her son, but Qui forced them to stay, ultimately pushing her away from the door. The fight escalated to the point where Qui allegedly threw his girlfriend against the walls and doors.
Authorities reportedly arrived at the scene at 7:46AM and found "blood all over his face, arms, legs and clothing" in addition to Qui's girlfriend crying and holding her young son. Authorities noticed a cut on the woman's forearm, bruising on her arms, and a "slightly puffy and swollen" jaw.
Qui denied hurting his girlfriend but owned up to the fact he had violently knocked over furniture. He also admitted to holding the woman hostage just so he could tell his side of the story once police arrived to assess the damage.
Qui and a representative for his restaurant both declined comment on the matter when contacted.
About The Author: Elizabeth Kwiatkowski
