In September, San Diego District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis dismissed Tequila's accusations that Merriman choked her and threw her to the ground while she was trying to leave his suburban home.
Merriman Tequila
According to TMZ.com, Tequila seeks damages for assault, battery, false imprisonment and emotional distress. Tequila's lawyer, Cyrus Nownejad, is citing photos showing bruises Tequila allegedly suffered from the incident at Merriman's home.
Merriman was arrested after Tequila signed a citizen's arrest warrant accusing Merriman of battery and false imprisonment. Both are felonies.
Dumanis decided not to charge Merriman after her office spent three days reviewing reports from the San Diego County Sheriff's Department.
"After a thorough review of the investigation into the Sept. 6, 2009, incident at the Poway home of Shawne Merriman, our office has determined there is insufficient evidence to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that any crime was committed," Dumanis said in a statement. "This case is now closed. No further comment will be made."
Tequila, whose real name is Tila Nguyen, is best known for "A Shot at Love with Tila Tequila," which ran for two seasons on MTV. The bisexual dating show featured men and women vying for Tequila's affections. She has also modeled for Playboy and other men's magazines.
Merriman said he was trying to keep Tequila from leaving his home because she appeared to be intoxicated and denied harming her.
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