SAN DIEGO — The owner of the nightclub where Shawne Merriman and Tila Tequila spent their Saturday night is coming to the defense of his city's star player.
James Brennan, who operates the popular Stingaree nightclub in San Diego's Gaslamp District, is firing back after Tequila claimed she wasn't intoxicated when a domestic dispute took place after the pair left the club. Employees who waited on the couple told Brennan that the MTV star had multiple shots of tequila and was drinking from a bottle of vodka. The nightclub mogul said he felt compelled to step forward after Tequila posted a message on her Twitter page Sunday night, claiming that she was allergic to alcohol.
"It sounds like she's allergic to the truth," he told The Associated Press.
Tequila told authorities that the San Diego Chargers star choked her and threw her to the ground when she attempted to leave his home around 3:45 a.m. She later signed a citizen's arrest warrant, charging Merriman with battery and false imprisonment.
Merriman spent about 2½ hours in jail before posting bail. Officials later revealed that it would be up to the District Attorney's office to determine if charges will be filed in the case.
In her tweet, Tequila said it's a well-known fact that she can't drink alcohol.
"I am allergic to alcohol," she wrote. "It has been publicly known for years. That is how I got the name Tila 'Tequila' cuz the irony. I cant drink."
"I feel sorry for the guy and I think the truth needs to be told," said Brennan.
Tequila fired back late Monday, writing, "this was not a DUI charge or anything to do with alcohol....but props for spinning it that way."
She also tweeted that "steroid use makes people act aggressive," a reference to Merriman's suspension in 2006 for violating the NFL's steroids and related substances policy.
"There is only one reason why I was running for my life.....why was I stopped? Hmmm....maybe the truth didnt want to leave the house," wrote Tequila, who added she would speak publicly about the incident for the first time on Tuesday.
"Just wait til the whole story comes out. I am letting them talk and bash me all they want. I dont care. I know the truth. and it will come."
Also see: Tila Tequila Gallery
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