Phil Mickelson has broken his silence after reports emerged that Ashley Perez, the former wife of LIV Golf player Pat Perez, has taken legal action against the six-time major champion, marking the latest twist in a controversy that has sent shockwaves through the golf world.
The reported legal action follows renewed scrutiny over allegations Ashley first made regarding an incident that allegedly took place during the 2015 Barclays tournament in New Jersey. While details of the legal filing have not been made public, the development has intensified attention on one of the biggest off-course stories in professional golf.
In response, Mickelson released a statement through his legal team, rejecting the allegations and criticizing recent reports surrounding the case. His representatives said the coverage presents a misleading narrative by combining disputed claims with incidents Mickelson has previously acknowledged and apologized for.
The statement also addressed reports that Mickelson had apologized to Ashley Perez and Pat Perez years ago, stressing that the apology should not be interpreted as an admission that every allegation against him is true. According to his legal team, Mickelson regrets past behavior he considered inappropriate but firmly denies engaging in the misconduct alleged in the recent reports.
Ashley Perez has alleged that Mickelson made unwanted sexual advances toward her while she and Pat Perez were staying at his villa during tournament week in 2015. She claims she rejected the alleged advance and later informed her then-husband about what had happened. Mickelson has consistently disputed key aspects of those allegations.
The case has quickly become one of the most closely watched stories in golf, drawing widespread reaction from fans and media alike. With legal proceedings now reportedly underway, attention is expected to shift from public debate to the courtroom as both sides prepare to present their cases.
For now, the allegations remain unproven, and no court has ruled on the claims. Mickelson continues to deny wrongdoing, while Ashley Perez is seeking to pursue the matter through legal channels.