Mike Pont/Getty ImagesFormer Real Housewives of New Jersey star Jim Marchese was arrested and charged for domestic violence Tuesday night, but his wife, Amber Marchese, tells E! News in a statement that the reports are false.
"Domestic violence is not a joke, and having my husband be accused of such a heinous act is not only hurtful but damaging personally, emotionally and professionally. I would never let myself be a victim of anything or anyone," she tells E! News. "Jim and I were on our way back from LA on a 'red eye' after filming a new TV project. We were actually talking about hooking up and joining the 'mile high' club. Some heavy PDA was involved, just the opposite of what certain people reported they saw."
The reality TV stars prepared to sit back, relax and enjoy the flight, but the situation would suddenly change. "After that brief bit of fun between us we prepared for takeoff and I ordered a glass of white wine. I was peacefully sipping my wine and Jim was sleeping when we were asked to leave the plane. Confused and scared our first thoughts were 'did something happen to our kids???' No explanations or answers were given to our questions and we were immediately separated," she continues.
"All I wanted was my husband Jim so we could figure out what happened and how to help the authorities by answering any questions. All Jim wanted was to make sure I was ok. We asked why we're being removed from the plane. We complied with everyone involved from the flight attendant to the authorities."
According to a statement from the Los Angeles airport's police, officers were called to Terminal 3 after an incident arose inside the aircraft.
"At the request of officers, a male suspect and a female victim left the aircraft," the police told E! News at the time. "Additional questioning revealed the suspect had grabbed the victim by the throat and made threats against her. Suspect James Marchese was arrested and transported to LAPD Pacific Division where he was booked."
But Amber tells us she did not file the complaint of domestic violence.
"Through this entire stressful situation my husband was nothing but a gentleman and never once lost his composure. To be crystal clear there was no complaint of domestic violence, signs of distress or request for assistance made by myself and there was no wrong doing by my husband. At no time did my husband ever choke me or threaten me in any way shape or form," she clarifies, adding that her marriage has always been relatively smooth.
"Jim and I have been married for 10 years and he has always treated me like gold and we have a beautiful relationship and a wonderful life. Every relationship has flaws and we are not perfect BUT these reports are undeniably false and disgusting."
The 46-year-old lawyer was charged with domestic violence and released on $50,000 bail. He is scheduled back in court on May 11.