Marcellus Wiley Denies Sexual Assault Allegations in Wife Annemarie’s Divorce Filing

The former football star says he's been left with no choice but to set the record straight, insisting the truth will vindicate him. He claims he has amassed proof that tells a very different story from the one his estranged wife has presented.

Marcellus Wiley has responded to allegations of sexual assault made by his estranged wife, Annemarie Wiley, following news of the former couple's split earlier this week.

In her filing, Annemarie claimed she endured years of abuse at Marcellus's hands.

In a statement posted to X on Tuesday, July 7, the former NFL player denied the allegations and said he plans to contest them through the legal system, while also accusing Annemarie of misconduct during their marriage.

"I love my children with everything I am," the former pro footballer began. "My highest priority has always been protecting them and preserving the relationship they have with both of their parents."

"Because of the public allegations made against me by Annemarie, I have been forced to respond with evidence rather than emotion," he continued. "More importantly, I owe it to my children to truthfully document what they and I have endured."

"To do that, I must address the lies Annemarie has told about me by telling the truth about her and our marriage," he said.

Marcellus went on to explain that he had gathered videos, photographs, text messages, emails, and other materials that he says directly contradict "those baseless claims" and offer "a factual record" of his family and the circumstances surrounding the divorce.

He pointed to several examples of the alleged evidence, including claims of repeated infidelity and "serious and damaging" parenting failures on Annemarie's part.

"I never wanted my family's issues and struggles to become public for any reason, including divorce leverage," he said, adding that he recognized it was "inevitable."

"I was willing to endure anything — even hell itself — if it meant being with my children every single day," the statement continued. "I am their hero, and now I am fighting to make sure the positive and real image they know of me is the one that endures."

"I am prepared to address these allegations and related matters through the legal process and with evidence. My focus remains on my children, my integrity, and the truth. Thanks for your understanding," he concluded.

Marcellus's statement arrives just a day after news broke that Annemarie had filed for divorce on Monday, July 6, ending the couple's 12-year marriage. The pair share three children: son Marcellus Jr., 10, and daughters Ariya, 7, and Alivia, 6.

According to court documents obtained by People, Annemarie cited irreconcilable differences and requested a domestic violence restraining order, alleging that Marcellus subjected her to "a continuing and escalating pattern of physical violence, sexual abuse, verbal and emotional abuse, financial control, and intimidation."

The filing states the alleged abuse dates back to 2012 and includes multiple incidents of physical violence, along with four alleged sexual assaults. Annemarie is also seeking sole legal and physical custody of the couple's three children, along with an order barring Marcellus from visitation.

The allegations follow the sportscaster's arrest on domestic battery charges stemming from an alleged incident during a family trip to Orlando, Florida, on July 3 and 4. He was released on a $1,000 bond on July 5, according to Annemarie's filing.

Marcellus is also facing several additional sexual assault allegations unrelated to the claims raised in the divorce proceedings.