Reality TV star Slade Smiley didn’t know a warrant had been issued for him for his failing to pay child support when he was arrested Friday in Costa Mesa, his representative said in a statement.
“This is an unfortunate situation that has occurred. My son is very ill and we have been working on resolving the issue of support vs. his enormous medical bills with the appropriate agencies for several months now,” Smiley said through his representative, Phil Viardo of Viardo Artists. “It is sad that individuals would take advantage of the situation in an attempt to defame and discredit me in such a public manner. For those who know me, there is nothing more important than my children.”
Smiley was on the “Real Housewives of Orange County” series and had a spin-off with his ex, “Date My Ex: Jo and Slade.” He was released from county jail Saturday on a $10,000 bond.
