On August 11, Michelle Branch announced her separation from her husband of three years, Black Keys drummer Patrick Carney.
Branch released the following statement to PEOPLE:
“To say that I am totally devastated doesn’t even come close to describing how I feel for myself and for my family,” she said. “The rug has been completely pulled from underneath me and now I must figure out how to move forward. With such small children, I ask for privacy and kindness.”
According to PEOPLE, ahead of announcing her separation, Branch published a post on Twitter claiming Carney cheated on her. The post has since been deleted.
Branch, who is known for her successful solo career and for being one half of the former country music duo The Wreckers, shares two children with Carney. Their son, Rhys James, turns four this month. Their daughter, Willie Jacquet, is six months old. Branch also has a 17-year-old daughter, Owen Isabelle, from her previous marriage.
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On August 12, TMZ reported the news that Branch was arrested for domestic assault. TMZ cites court documents showing that police were called to the couple’s home around 2 AM on August 11. According to these documents, Branch admitted to slapping Carney’s face “one or two times.”
Carney did not have any visible injuries. Branch was taken into custody, but was released early since she is breastfeeding their six-month-old daughter.
Then, on Monday (August 15), TMZ reported that Branch had filed for divorce from Carney. According to court documents obtained by TMZ, Branch cited “irreconcilable differences” as the reason for the split.
Branch filed the documents in Tennessee on Friday (August 12).
The documents show that Branch is seeking child support from Carney and wants him to pay for her legal fees. Branch also wants custody of their children, but is willing to let Carney spend time with them.
Such unfortunate news…