Vanessa Trump has spoken out for the first time after her boyfriend, Tiger Woods, pleaded not guilty to driving under the influence and subsequently announced he was “stepping away for a period of time.”
Sharing a throwback picture of the couple cuddling on a reclined chair Friday morning, Vanessa wrote, “Love you” alongside two red-heart emojis.
Woods — who has been dating Donald Trump Jr.’s ex-wife for more than a year — was arrested for a DUI last week after he was involved in a rollover car accident while driving in Jupiter Island, Florida.
The athlete, 50, crawled out of his Land Rover SUV, which had flipped on its side. The driver of the other vehicle wasn’t injured.
Martin County Sheriff John Budensiek stated during a press conference about the incident that Woods showed “signs of impairment” and that his eyes were “bloodshot and glassy” at the scene of his arrest, despite his breathalyzer test returning negative.
Body camera footage revealed that Woods had pills in his pocket, and authorities later confirmed that Woods was in possession of hydrocodone, an opioid used to treat severe chronic pain.
Woods told officers at the scene he had undergone seven back surgeries and over 20 surgeries on his right leg, and that his ankle seizes up while walking.
Woods pleaded not guilty to driving under the influence. He was released on bail.
Police body camera footage from the arrest showed that Woods claimed he was talking to “the president” from the scene of his arrest. In the video, Woods can be seen on the phone as he walks towards police and can be heard saying, “Thank you.”
“I was just talking with the president,” the golfer told an officer.
President Trump told The New York Post on Tuesday that he had spoken with the golfer since the crash, but did not specify when their conversation took place.
“I think he’s doing great, he’s doing good,” Trump said in the interview.
The president also told the outlet he sympathizes with Woods, adding: “He tested negative for alcohol, as you know, and he is under a tremendous physical pressure from his various ailments, you know, the back and the leg.”
In body camera footage, Woods claimed he was looking at his phone and changing the radio station when his Land Rover clipped the back of a truck and rolled onto its side on a residential road on Jupiter Island. No one was injured in the March 27 crash.
“I looked down at my phone and all of a sudden – boom,” he told deputies on the scene.
Woods, who was hiccuping during questioning, continuously moved his head during one of the sobriety tests. Deputies told him several times to keep his head straight, an arrest report said.
“Based on my observations of Woods, how he performed the exercises and based on my training, knowledge, and experience, I believed that Woods normal faculties were impaired, and he was unable to safely operate the motor vehicle,” an officer wrote in a report.
In his first public comments since the crash, Woods announced he was “stepping away for a period of time to seek treatment and focus on my health,” which means he will miss the Masters taking place this month.
“This is necessary in order for me to prioritize my well-being and work toward lasting recovery,” Woods said.
“I'm committed to taking the time needed to return in a healthier, stronger, and more focused place, both personally and professionally. I appreciate your understanding and support, and ask for privacy for my family, loved ones and myself at this time.”
His next court appearance is scheduled for May 5, though he does not need to appear in person.
Vanessa shares five children with her ex-husband, Donald Trump Jr, including 18-year-old golfer Kai Trump. She reportedly met Woods through the golf community in Florida.
What happened when I went on a ‘men’s walk’ to talk about my feelings
Researchers on why you should stop splitting the bill
Prince Archie shows off skiing skills in new video as Meghan praises ‘quick learner’
Skip the chocolate – the best wines to drink this Easter and into spring
Why Chanel is dipping its oar into the River Thames this weekend
