Ryan Phillippe’s ex-girlfriend, who alleges the actor assaulted her in 2017, won a round in court Tuesday when a judge directed the Los Angeles Police Department to identify any domestic violence complaints that may have been made against the actor during the last 10 years.
The order by Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Laura Siegel is directed to the LAPD’s custodian of records, who must provide a sworn declaration within 30 days. The declaration also must identify the nature of any act complained about or reported and the current status of the complaint, but without identifying the persons who came forward.
If the custodian of records finds any such complaints against Phillippe, plaintiff Elsie Hewitt can serve a subpoena for documents and the LAPD must notify any victims or third parties of the inquiries, according to the judge’s order.
Hewitt filed suit in September 2017, alleging Phillippe assaulted her on July 4 of that year. She accuses the “Shooter” star of assault, battery and intentional infliction of emotional distress.
Hewitt, 22, alleges that the 44-year-old actor kicked and punched her at his home.
The suit further alleges that during the fight, Hewitt gathered her things to leave and Phillippe reacted by grabbing the plaintiff’s upper arm so tightly that his grip left heavy bruises on her arm. He then allegedly threw her down his staircase.
In a countersuit against Hewitt filed in November 2017, Phillippe denies her claims and alleges she broke into his home in the middle of the night without permission and “fabricated a story in an unjustified attempt to extort money.”