Matt Evans arrested for allegedly hurting girlfriend

Matt Evans (NPPA Images)

(UPDATE 2) Kapamilya actor Matt Evans was arrested on Sunday, October 21, for allegedly hurting his girlfriend Johnelline Hickins.

According to a TV Patrol report, Johnelline fell off the stairs during a heated argument that prompted her brother Juan Alberto Hickins Carlotta to intervene. Juan also accused Matt of kicking him.

“Hindi niya dapat sinasaktan ang kapatid ko kasi wala pang isang buwan nung nanganak siya,” he said in an interview on TV Patrol.

Matt, through his legal counsel, Gerly Rico, denied inflicting physical harm on Johnelline and her brother. TV Patrol reported that Matt refused to give an interview and his talent management, Star Magic still has to give its official statement on Monday, October 22.

“In the evening of October 20, domestic violence happened between Matt, his girlfriend Johnelline and the latter’s brother. Matt denies having inflicted any injury against his girlfriend or her brother. In fact it was Matt who was hit on the leg and was threatened with a knife. We are awaiting the legal process to proceed so that Matt’s name will be cleared from all of these accusations, which are nothing but lies,” Atty. Rico’s statement read.

Meanwhile, in a text message sent to Yahoo! Philippines OMG!, Pasig City Police district Women and Children Protection desk Chief SPO4 Digna R. Cas, the siblings filed “physical injuries in relation to RA 9262 (Anti-Violence against Women and their Children Act of 2004) and slight physical injuries.”

The actor was released from jail on Monday, October 22 after posting a P200 bail.