Nick Lachey’s rep has categorically denied reports that the 98 Degrees singer attacked a Chargers fan at the Chargers-Bengals game at Qualcomm Stadium on Sunday.
Lachey’s rep told Page Six, “This was a verbal exchange between sports fans of opposing teams that went too far.”
The unnamed Chargers fan claimed to TMZ that Lachey, a Bengals supporter, had allegedly choked him and allegedly called his wife a derogatory name. In the blurry video obtained by the gossip site, the incident does appear a little heated between Lachey and a fan wearing an Igor Olshansky jersey. (Olshansky played for the Chargers from 2004 to 2008).
In light of the video footage, the rep told us, “While Nick isn’t proud of what happened, he did not choke anyone or use defamatory language to any women at the stadium — which the video tape clearly supports.”
After the incident, Lachey and the Chargers fan went their separate ways.
“Nick and his friends were interviewed by police outside the stadium and quickly released with no charges filed,” said Lachey’s rep. “We categorically deny any accusations that say otherwise and would defend against those claims should they arise.”
Lachey tweeted a photo of the Chargers stadium on Sunday and three hours later, he posted: “Just got kicked out of the chargers stadium and couldn’t be prouder! Go Cincy Bengals! #whodey” In a later tweet he hinted at trash-talking: “Bengals win again. i’d talk trash to everyone in SD, but what’s the point? you already had me kicked out of the stadium and you still lost.”
However, he issued another clarification on Monday afternoon via Twitter. “For the record, i was not kicked out of the chargers game for excessive “trash talking”. no, that honor belonged to the guy in front of me!” He continued, “i simply don’t appreciate someone turning around and putting their finger in my face. call me crazy, but that deserved a reaction”