Tila Tequila: "Justice Has Not Been Served"; Civil Suit on the Way

Reality TV star reacts to the dismissal of criminal charges against the San Diego Chargers' Shawne Merriman

By Megan Masters Sep 12, 2009 4:47 AMTags
Tila Tequila, Shawne MerrimanAP Photo/Evan Agostini, Jason Merritt/Getty Images

Shawne Merriman may have sacked criminal charges, but it's not "lights out" just yet.

Hours after the San Diego District Attorney's Office closed the case against the NFL star due to "insufficient evidence," it's safe to say Tila Tequila was less than thrilled about the outcome.

"Tila Tequila is the victim of a violent crime. The San Diego District Attorney's decision not to press charges against Shawne Merriman for the battering of Tila Tequila demonstrates an unconscionable negligence in the discharging of their public duties," her rep tells TMZ. "We strongly feel that justice has not been served in this matter."

The criticism doesn't stop there. Tequila's statement calls out the economic interest the Southern California beach town has in Merriman's well-being.

"Obviously, The San Diego Charger's NFL franchise brings millions of dollars in revenue to the city of San Diego, and it seems clear that other interests are being served by the D.A.'s office than the upholding of the law."

The publicist continues: "A young woman was violently beaten and choked, and the physical evidence is both overwhelming and disturbing. Tila's account of the events has remained consistent from the beginning, while Merriman's story has changed repeatedly."

As for what's to come, Tequila fully intends to pursue civil action against the linebacker:

"Just because the DA has made this reckless decision doesn't mean that justice will not be served in this case. No one is above the law," wraps up the rep. "Tila Tequila will immediately begin pursuing civil charges against Mr. Merriman and she will have her day in court."

Merriman, 25, has said he was merely attempting to keep his then-girlfriend safe from driving home while intoxicated and received good news on Friday afternoon when the D.A. determined that there was not enough evidence to press criminal charges.

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See all of the Shawne and Tila drama right here.