Football star-turned-TV analyst Marcellus Wiley has strenuously denied his wife Annemarie’s allegations of rape and abuse throughout their marriage, describing them as ‘lies’.
It comes after the 51-year-old former Pro Bowler was booked into the Orange County Jail on Saturday, July 4, following an alleged altercation in Orlando over the holiday weekend.
On Monday, Annemarie filed to divorce Wiley and asked for a restraining order against him. She cited irreconcilable differences and accused Wiley of leading ‘a continuing and escalating pattern of physical violence, sexual abuse, verbal and emotional abuse, financial control, and intimidation.’
The filing alleges the abuse started back in 2012 and included a number of incidents of physical violence and four alleged rapes. Annemarie is also seeking sole legal and physical custody of their three children, and an order denying Wiley visitation.
‘Marcellus subjects me to constant criticism, cruel and sarcastic remarks, and intimidation,’ Annemarie claims in the application.
‘His verbal and emotional abuse is constant, and his physical abuse occurs approximately once a month, and at times more frequently. I am afraid of Marcellus, and I fear for my own safety and for the safety of our children.’
Marcellus Wiley has denied the domestic battery allegations made against him by his wife
That prompted Wiley to write a lengthy statement, which he sent to The California Post. He claimed he has ‘videos, photographs, text messages, emails, and other evidence that directly’ contradict the former reality TV star’s ‘baseless claims’.
The former NFL star and ESPN analyst was arrested in Florida over the holiday weekend
‘I love my children with everything I am,’ Wiley said in the statement. ‘My highest priority has always been protecting them and preserving the relationship they have with both of their parents.
‘Because of the public allegations made against me by Annemarie, I have been forced to respond with evidence rather than emotion. More importantly, I owe it to my children to truthfully document what they and I have endured.’
Wiley claimed he has proof of Annemarie’s infidelity, including ‘an affair with her pregnant friend’s husband’. She was a full-time cast member on season 13 of Bravo’s ‘Real Housewives of Beverly Hills’.
He continued: ‘To be frank, many friends, family members, and fans have opined that after she was kicked off “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills”, she lost her mind! Unfortunately, I must agree.
‘I never wanted my family’s issues and struggles to become public for any reason, including divorce leverage. But I unfortunately knew this day was inevitable.
‘I was willing to endure anything – even hell itself – if it meant being with my children every single day. I am their hero, and now I am fighting to make sure the positive and real image they know of me is the one that endures.
‘I am prepared to address these allegations and related matters through the legal process and with evidence. My focus remains on my children, my integrity, and the truth. Thanks for your understanding.’
The arrest affidavit alleges that Wiley threatened to kill his wife and became physical with her in front of their seven-year-old daughter in a hotel room at World Marriott.
On Monday, Annemarie filed to divorce Wiley and asked for a restraining order against him
The 51-year-old was officially booked into the Orange County Jail on Saturday, July 4
The affidavit claims their three children, who were at the venue to attend a basketball tournament, were in the hotel room when the police arrived.
Annemarie told police that on Friday morning Wiley stood over her and ‘used one finger to sternly and intentionally poke her in the cheek’, before threatening to kill her.
She also told the authorities that Wiley has an unreported history of violence towards her in the past, an allegation he denies.
After being interviewed by deputies, Wiley was released from custody on $1,000 cash bond on Sunday night.
Wiley was originally selected by the Buffalo Bills in the second round of the 1997 NFL Draft out of Columbia University.
He spent a full decade competing in the professional league, playing as a defensive end across multiple franchises.
During his extensive career, Wiley suited up for the Bills, San Diego Chargers, Dallas Cowboys, and Jacksonville Jaguars.
He earned a Pro Bowl selection and Second-team All-Pro honors in 2001 after recording a career-high 13 sacks during his tenure with the Chargers.
Following his official retirement from professional football in 2006, Wiley transitioned into a national media career.
He became a familiar fixture on sports television, serving as a co-host for several prominent daily debate programs.
Annemarie (left) was part of the cast of season 13 of the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills
Wiley suited up for the Bills, San Diego Chargers, Dallas Cowboys and Jacksonville Jaguars
His broadcasting resume includes a lengthy stint at ESPN, where he co-hosted the afternoon television program SportsNation alongside a daily Los Angeles radio show.
His arrest comes just months after Wiley faced fresh allegations of sexual assault from four new accusers.
The claims, filed in New York, broaden the litigation that began in 2023 when three women accused Wiley of rape during his time at Columbia University.
Among the new accusers is a former ESPN production assistant who alleges that Wiley lured her into a hotel room under the guise of a work meeting in 2009.
Wiley has consistently and vehemently denied all sexual assault allegations.
