Updated: Paul Qui Arrested for Assault
East Side King owner reportedly attacked girlfriend, is off to rehab
By Amy Kamp, 2:15PM, Mon. Mar. 21, 2016
This post has been updated to include Paul Qui's statement about the incident.
Paul Qui, known for helming popular local restaurants qui and East Side King, and for winning season 9 of Top Chef, was arrested Saturday, March 19, after a friend of his called police to report that Qui was fighting with his girlfriend.
Qui was booked for unlawful restraint and assault causing bodily injury to a family member after he reportedly refused to let his girlfriend and her son leave his apartment and then repeatedly threw his girlfriend against the wall. According to KXAN, arresting officers wrote in their affidavit that Qui had “blood all over his face, arms, legs, and clothing.”
Although the identity of the victim is not currently being made public, she is not Qui's former longtime partner Deana Saukam.
Update: Yesterday (March 21) Qui sent a statement to the Austin American-Statesman saying that he had asked his friend to call the police because the argument had "escalated beyond [his] control," that he is "innocent of the charge of assault," and that "this situation made me realize that I need to take more time for my health and myself. I will be checking myself into a treatment facility in the coming days and I am appreciative of the support of my family, friends and partners."
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