As more reports of sexual misconduct against Phil Mickelson are brought to light, one woman allegedly involved in an incident with the golf legend has spoken out on social media, thanking followers for their support.
Ashley Perez, the ex-wife of pro golfer Pat Perez, issued a statement on Instagram days after a report by Alan Shipnuck on Skratch detailed an incident between herself and Mickelson that occurred in 2015.
“I will rise up and stand next to the millions of women who have been silenced to protect the evil and darkness that lurks amongst us,” Ashley wrote in a post on her Instagram Stories.
“Thank you dearly for all of the love and support. My heart goes out to the countless other victims.”
Ashley didn’t name anyone or cite any specific incidents in her post.
What allegedly happened between Perez and Mickelson?
According to the report by Skratch, Mickelson allegedly tried to seduce Perez while she and her then-husband Pat were staying with him at his villa for the PGA Tour’s Barclays tournament in Edison, N.J.
“When Pat excused himself to use the restroom, Ashley says Mickelson took out his phone and showed her a full-body picture of himself naked with an erection while flexing one bicep,” Shipnuck wrote.
Mickelson then reportedly told Ashley: “I’m going to leave my bedroom door open tonight. When Pat falls asleep I want you to come see me.”
Ashley declined Mickelson’s advance and later told Perez about the incident. Mickelson, who has been married to his wife Amy for 30 years, reportedly later apologized to Perez via a lengthy phone call.
Ashley and Pat Perez filed for divorce in November 2023.
What did Mickelson say about the report?
Mickelson’s attorney, Tom Clare, issued a statement regarding the Skratch report, calling it “reckless.”
“A small segment of the golf media has decided that because Mr. Mickelson is a successful golfer, every detail of his private and family life is theirs to exploit,” Clare said. “Recycling mistakes he has already acknowledged as new reporting, and dragging private family matters into public view, is reckless. It is the pursuit of clicks at the expense of the truth. Do better.”
Clare added that the report did not include a statement submitted before it had been published.
What other allegations has Mickelson faced?
Earlier this month, a report in Golf Digest by senior writer Joel Beall revealed a sordid tale of the LIV golfer being booted from The Farms Golf Club over allegations he made inappropriate contact with a female employee of the exclusive club outside San Diego.
The story details allegations that Mickelson made non-consensual contact with the employee, who then reported the incident to club management.
According to Golf Digest‘s report, the club quickly proceeded with an investigation before approaching the 55-year-old six-time major winner on the golf course and allegedly asking him to leave the property.
The story includes a statement from The Farms that the club provided to Golf Digest.
“The Farms Golf Club is committed to maintaining a golf club environment that is safe, respectful and reflects the highest standards of conduct,” the statement read.
“Following a staff member report of member misconduct, the Club provided immediate and ongoing support to the staff member, conducted a thorough independent investigation of the incident and took decisive action. This individual is no longer a member of The Farms Golf Club.”
What does Mickelson’s wife say?
Despite the list of inappropriate allegations against Mickelson growing, he continues to fight back while his wife, Amy, is standing by him.
“Some of the allegations circulating about Mr. Mickelson are false, and others revisit mistakes he has already acknowledged, publicly or privately,” a spokesperson for Mickelson told People on Monday in response to the Skratch report.
“Stacking the disputed claims next to the ones he has owned does not make them credible. It instead contributes to a false and misleading narrative.”
The statement also doubled down on Amy’s support for her embattled husband.
“Recovery is not a straight line. Throughout their 35-year relationship, his wife, Amy Mickelson, has supported Mr. Mickelson and their family with extraordinary grace, unwavering love, and the belief that people are measured not only by their failures, but by what they do to make them right,” the statement said. “Mr. Mickelson’s priority is to become the husband, father, and man his family deserves. Right now, that means giving his full attention to a private family health matter.
“He understands that parts of his life are public, but his family’s private matters are not.”
–With Jon McCarthy files