Terrence Howard’s ex-wife Michelle Ghent, who obtained a restraining order against him yesterday, included a graphic allegation when she filed for it:
The actor sucker punched her in the face, grabbed her by the neck and threw her against the wall, she claims, during a trip to Costa Rica last week.
Michelle Ghent, who divorced Howard back in May, alleges that the fight started after she told Terrence she had no interest in rekindling their romance.
Michelle says after Terrence hit her, he glared at her and walked over to a bedside table where he kept two curved knives, each 4-6 inches in length.
At that point, she says she panicked and pepper sprayed him … and at that point, she claims Terrence knocked her down and kicked her in the head.
In addition to the black eye she sported (it was not discussed at the hearing, but the implication is clear), Michelle says she suffered contusions and swelling.
The photos, first obtained by TMZ, emerged after the court showdown.
Ghent also claims that Howard referred to a prior warning he had given her on a trip to Bora Bora – that he would kill her. It’s unclear for what reasons.
For his part, Terrence Howard denies abusing her and claims in his legal documents that she is unstable and made up the story to damage him.
Terrence claims Michelle threatened to kill him and he believes she’s serious, and says she’s been admitted to a psychiatric hospital in the past.
Michelle secured a temporary restraining order Tuesday, requiring Terrence to stay clear of her, but he has not been charged with the alleged beating.
Doing press to promote The Butler (which he claims factored into the timing of Ghent’s fabrications), the actor denied the claims to ET Monday night: