New Zealand reality show removes man charged with domestic violence in Seattle. Video / K5 News
The Married at First Sight scandal involving disgraced contestant Chris Mansfield has gone global.
A United States media outlet today reported details of three women who claim Mansfield abused them mentally and physically before he was arrested on a domestic violence charge in May, 2009, prior to being deported backto New Zealand.
Seattle's King 5 News today revealed new details about the abuse allegedly suffered by both Candace Casady - Mansfield's former partner and alleged victim - and Kim Jones, another of his former girlfriends.
The story also revealed a longtime King County Sheriff's deputy claims his daughter was also assaulted by Mansfield, but never pressed charges. During a phone conversation, the deputy reportedly described Mansfield as a "monster, womaniser, and abuser."
Chris Mansfield was arrested in Seattle in May, 2009, after a domestic violence complaint involving Candace Casady. Photo / Supplied.
The report also contains details of letters provided to the Herald by Casady, allegedly penned by Mansfield, in which he vows to "never touch drugs again…never hurt you emotionally…mentally…spiritually…physically…never ever again."
Casady, 32, told the Herald earlier this month that Mansfield "almost killed me a couple of times (through) strangling". She says she was pregnant with his child at the time he left the US but did not have the baby.
The Herald on Sunday last week revealed Mansfield was also charged with assault in New Zealand in February 2009. He was granted diversion in the Christchurch District Court.
The US report comes after Mansfield was axed from the third season of the MediaWorks' produced show before it premiered on Three on Sunday evening. The 39-year-old New Zealander had been paired with his on-screen "wife", Auckland business owner Aimee Collins, before the decision was made to edit the pair out of the show.
Aimee Collins was paired with Chris Mansfield on Married at First Sight. Photo / Supplied.
Speaking to King 5 News, Casady expanded further on her traumatic experiences, alleging "Kiwi Chris" first revealed his dark side when he returned home from a bar intoxicated.
"He was upset that I didn't do the dishes properly," said Casady. "(He) grabbed my neck, shoved it towards the sink and said 'You need to do this, this is what the women do.'"
Casady went on describe the violent incident that finally led to his arrest, when in a fit of rage, he reportedly reached through a car window and grabbed her by the hair and repeatedly banged her head. A stranger witnessed the assault and called the police.
Chris Mansfield is yet to respond to the claims. Photo / NZ Herald Doug Sherring.
He pleaded not guilty to a misdemeanour assault charge and was released after paying a bail amount of US$950 ($1500).
He later appeared at a pre-trial hearing on May 18, after which a second was scheduled for June 15. He reportedly sent Casady letters but he failed to front up at his next court hearing and an outstanding warrant remains alongside his name.
An excerpt of a letter provided by Casady to the Herald and King 5 news reads:
"…Never touch drugs again "Always rub your inner forearm to relax you "Always be the husband "Always be the father "We both know I can be "Never hurt you emotionally "Never hurt you mentally "Never hurt you spiritually "Never hurt you physically "Never ever again."
Casady has recently connected with other women via social media, in both the US and New Zealand, who claim they have suffered similar abuse at the hands of Mansfield.
She told King 5 News she is sharing her story now to alert other women around Seattle and New Zealand of his whereabouts.
"We feel like it's important to reach out to other women in the Seattle area who have fled, or have had contact with Chris," said Casady, who has connected with other women via social media. "It's a survivor sisterhood."
Casady accepts it may be unlikely that Mansfield could be extradited for the misdemeanour charge, but is satisfied that his past is finally catching up with him.
"Massive peace of mind," she said. "There is hope and immense healing on the other side, if you choose it for yourself."
DO YOU NEED HELP?
If you're in danger now:
• Phone the police on 111 or ask neighbours or friends to ring for you. • Run outside and head for where there are other people. • Scream for help so that your neighbours can hear you. • Take the children with you. • Don't stop to get anything else. • If you are being abused, remember it's not your fault. Violence is never okay
• Shine, free national helpline 9am- 11pm every day - 0508 744 633 www.2shine.org.nz • Women's Refuge: Free national crisis line operates 24/7 - 0800 refuge or 0800 733 843 www.womensrefuge.org.nz • Shakti: Providing specialist cultural services for African, Asian and Middle Eastern women and their children. Crisis line 24/7 0800 742 584 • It's Not Ok: Information line 0800 456 450 www.areyouok.org.nz
