Now that she is sober, Reese Witherspoon is regretting the words and actions that got her arrested in Atlanta, Georgia early Friday morning. In a statement released Sunday, the actress admitted that she is “deeply embarrassed” by the incident. The 37-year-old was in Atlanta to film The Good Lie.
"Out of respect for the ongoing legal situation, I cannot comment on everything that is being reported right now. But I do want to say, I clearly had one drink too many and I am deeply embarrassed about the things I said," Witherspoon said. "It was definitely a scary situation and I was frightened for my husband, but that is no excuse. I was disrespectful to the officer who was just doing his job. The words I used that night definitely do not reflect who I am. I have nothing but respect for the police and I'm very sorry for my behavior."
Witherspoon was taken into custody for disorderly conduct because she refused to listen to an officer while her husband, Jim Toth, was arrested for drunk driving. According to authorities, the couple was pulled over after an officer noticed them driving in the wrong lane. The officer then observed that Toth, 42, smelled of alcohol and had bloodshot, watery eyes. Toth and Witherspoon admitted to having drinks at a restaurant two hours before the traffic stop.
While Toth was given a field sobriety test, Witherspoon got out of the car at least twice. She was instructed to remain in the car both times, and was warned that she would be arrested if she disobeyed again. "Mrs. Witherspoon began to hang out the window and say that she did not believe that I was a real police officer. I told Mrs. Witherspoon to sit on her butt and be quiet," the officer wrote in his report.
As Toth was being arrested, Witherspoon got out of the car to confront the officer. She refused to return to her car and declared she was allowed to stand on “American ground” as she is a “US citizen.” The officer proceeded to place Witherspoon under arrest. She resisted briefly, but was calmed down by Toth.
“Mrs. Witherspoon asked, 'Do you know my name?' I answered, 'No, I don't need to know your name.' I then added, 'Right now.' Mrs. Witherspoon stated, 'You're about to find out who I am.'... Mrs. Witherspoon also stated, 'You're going to be on national news.' I advised Mrs. Witherspoon that was fine,” the officer revealed in his report.
The couple was taken to an Atlanta jail where Toth was booked for DUI and failure to maintain his lane and Witherspoon was booked for disorderly conduct. They were released on bond around 3:30 a.m. Friday.
Witherspoon hit the red carpet with Toth in New York Sunday night for the premiere of her new movie Mud. She posed for pictures, but did not speak to reporters.
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