Australian Transformers actress Rachael Taylor has taken out a restraining order against her boyfriend, Australian television host Matthew Newton, accusing him of violently assaulting her while the couple were on holiday in Rome earlier this month.
In a statement released by her manager on Monday, Taylor said her action followed a series of “gravely serious incidents” in Australia and two violent assaults in Italy on Aug. 13 and Aug. 14.
“After much consideration and struggle, I have made this personal decision to send a clear public message that violence, threats, abuse and intimidation are not acceptable and should be dealt with by the full capacity of the law,” Taylor said.
MEDICAL TREATMENT
The statement said the actress, 26, was receiving medical treatment in Los Angeles and was considering further legal options.
Following that news, Australia’s Seven Network said that Newton had been replaced as host of new talent series The X Factor, which starts airing on Monday. The network cited health reasons for Newton’s withdrawal from the show.
Newton’s former agent, Titus Day of 6 Degrees Management, said he had dropped the troubled star and declined to comment on the allegations of violence.
POLICE CONFIRMATION
In Rome, officer Giovanni D’Auria of the paramilitary Carabinieri police force confirmed that they had been called to the Westin Excelsior Hotel on the night of Aug. 13 because of a verbal fight in one of the rooms.
He said Newton was being sedated by paramedics when the Carabinieri arrived, and was then taken to the hospital.
Newton apparently “lost his temper,” D’Auria said.
There were no allegations of physical violence at the time.
Taylor told ambulance staff and Carabinieri that her boyfriend suffered from “psychological problems,” the officer said.
The hotel declined to speak about the incident, citing guest privacy.
EARLIER ALLEGATIONS
It is not the first allegation of domestic violence against the 33-year-old actor.
In 2007, he pleaded guilty to assaulting girlfriend Brooke Satchwell during a breakup argument.
Earlier this year, Newton spent 28 days in a Melbourne rehab clinic that specializes in drug and alcohol issues.
Newton’s sister, Lauren, said her family was sticking by her brother.
“He’s working through his issues and we all love and support him,” she told reporters on Monday.
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