Professional boxing star Ryan Garcia is accused of felony vandalism after a damage report at a luxury Beverly Hills hotel, according to ESPN. His response was to compare himself to Britney Spears and former President Donald Trump on X.
“I feel like I’m Ryan Spears Aka Britney Spears,” Garcia wrote on X on June 9. “This sucks 🙁 I never hurt anyone. I’ve only ever loved everyone. Prayed for people. And try to make a change in this cruel world. I love you Christ Jesus Amen.”
In another post, Garcia compared himself to Trump, writing on X, “Kinda funny both trump and I are in jail 🤷🏽♂️ I don’t know if he is in jail but I know he got convicted. This sucks, But I love Jesus I will be okay.”
ESPN reported that Garcia, 25, was arrested at 5:45 p.m. after he was accused of causing $15,000 in damages at the Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills on June 8. CBS Sports reported that Garcia was wearing a motorcycle helmet when he was “led away” by police. Video showed the arrest.
His lawyer, Darin Chavez, told ESPN that “Ryan has been open about his struggles with mental health over the years, and at this time he is dealing with an immense emotional burden.”
According to CBS Sports, the arrest comes after a series of controversies involving Garcia; the New York State Athletic Commission asked Garcia to “undergo a mental health evaluation prior to his April fight with Devin Haney,” CBS Sports reported, adding that Garcia, whose record is 25 to 1, “tested positive for a banned substance” after that fight, leaving his victory in peril.
Ryan Garcia Was Accused of Public Intoxication & Property Damage at the Hotel, Reports Say
According to ESPN, a driver who took Garcia to the Waldorf Astoria called police, and the hotel opted to press charges.
Garcia then was taken to the hospital after he “complained of a medical issue” following his booking at the Beverly Hills Police Department, ESPN reported.
TMZ reported that Garcia’s family called police for a wellness check at the same hotel a few days before the arrest.
Heavy has reached out to Beverly Police Department public affairs for additional details. Garcia may also be charged with “public intoxication,” Chavez told ESPN. Heavy has reached out to Chavez for comment.
According to USA Today, the Beverly Hills Police Department says it responded to an “intoxicated person” call at the hotel, and then identified Garcia, a guest at the hotel, as that person.
Garcia is accused of damaging a guest room and hotel hallway, USA Today reported, and the hotel wanted to press charges for “property damage.” Ultimately, the district attorney’s office will decide whether to file criminal charges.
Ryan Garcia’s Attorney Says He Has Been ‘Grappling With Devastating News’ About His Mother
GettyBoxer Ryan Garcia attends the Ring Of Fire Official weigh-in at BLVD City – Music World on May 17, 2024 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Chavez issued a statement, obtained by ESPN, that said Garcia’s arrest comes at “an extraordinarily challenging time for Ryan, as he has been grappling with devastating news regarding his mother’s health.”
“The support and understanding from fans and the public are crucial as he navigates these personal challenges. We are working diligently to provide Ryan with the resources he needs,” Chavez added to ESPN.
“Our team is committed to ensuring that he receives the appropriate help and care to address both his immediate and long-term well-being. We ask for continued support and compassion as Ryan focuses on his family and his health at this time.”
In another X post, Garcia wrote, “I’m worried 🙁 I have to be at this weird hospital and they are trying to give me medicine and they have me on a hold for who knows how long, they will determine. Pray for me. God help me.”
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