LOS ANGELES, CA. (THECOUNT) — Kelli Tennant attorney, Garo Mardirossian, abruptly ended a press conference streamed live from at his office in Los Angeles to speak about pending sexual assault allegations leveled against former Lakers coach Luke Walton.
The presser, which included Tennant delivering a tearful recounting of the alleged attack, was ended after Mardirossian concluded the event “no longer civil,” following a TMZ question about if video or photographic proof exists to bolster the victim’s claims.
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TMZ, who was live blogging the press conference, asked if there was “any video or photo evidence to help prove Tennant’s case,” that when Mardirossian pulled the plug.
Tennant has been identified as the woman accusing Walton of sexual assault.
According to court documents obtained by ABC7 on Monday, plaintiff Tennant filed a complaint against Walton for damages including sexual battery, gender violence, violation of the Ralph Act and sexual assault.
Walton was the former head coach for the Los Angeles Lakers. He’s now the head coach for the Sacramento Kings. The Kings issued a statement saying: “We are aware of the report and are gathering additional information. We have no further comment at this time.”
In the suit, Tennant says when she arrived at Walton’s hotel, he convinced her to come up to his room so they could “catch up.” She claims when they got up to his room, Walton suddenly pinned her to the bed, placing his hips and legs over her body, reports TMZ.
The Lakers also issued a statement. The team said the alleged incident happened before he was coach for the team.
“This alleged incident took place before Luke Walton was the Head Coach of the Los Angeles Lakers. At no time before or during his employment here was this allegation reported to the Lakers. If it had been, we would have immediately commenced an investigation and notified the NBA. Since Luke Walton is now under contract to another team, we will have no further comment.”