AUSTIN, Texas, United States — The 2012 winner of the Bravo TV show “Top Chef” has been charged with assaulting his girlfriend in Texas.
Austin police say Paul Qui (kee) was arrested Saturday morning on misdemeanor charges of unlawful restraint and of assault causing injury-family violence.
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According to an arrest affidavit, Qui’s girlfriend says he prevented her from leaving an apartment with her child by pushing her and throwing her against walls, doors and furniture. Qui told police he “only was grabbing and holding her.”
The affidavit says the apartment was in disarray with broken furniture and glass.
Qui posted bond and was released later Saturday.
A message left for comment with the chef’s restaurant in Austin, also called Qui, was not immediately returned Monday.