Ashley Perez, the former wife of professional golfer Pat Perez, has finally responded to explosive allegations involving six-time major winner Phil Mickelson. The claims, which surfaced in a report from golf outlet Skratch, allege that Mickelson attempted to seduce Ashley back in 2015.
According to the report, the incident occurred while the Perezes were staying at Mickelson's villa during the PGA Tour's Barclays tournament at Plainfield Country Club in Edison, New Jersey. Ashley Perez broke her silence over the weekend with a powerful Instagram Story post.
“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,” she wrote, sharing a photo of herself in Las Vegas. “Thank you dearly for all of the love and support. My heart goes out to the countless other victims.”
The post comes just days after the Skratch report detailed the alleged encounter. According to journalist Alan Shipnuck, Mickelson allegedly showed Ashley a full-body nude photo of himself and told her to come to his room once her husband had fallen asleep.
“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 allegedly said, “I’m going to leave my bedroom door open tonight. When Pat falls asleep I want you to come see me.”
Ashley declined the advances and reportedly informed her husband about what happened after the tournament. The report states that Mickelson later apologized to both Pat and Ashley, saying, “I can’t tell you how disgusted and embarrassed I am in myself.”
Ashley Perez filed for divorce from Pat Perez in 2023. The scandal has sent shockwaves through the golf world, with many fans and commentators weighing in on the allegations. The story has also drawn comparisons to other recent controversies in sports, such as the NFL's response to disturbing assault allegations against Geno Smith.
As the golf community awaits further developments, Ashley's statement has resonated widely, echoing the courage of women who speak out against misconduct. The saga adds another layer of complexity to Mickelson's legacy, already clouded by his involvement in the LIV Golf controversy and past remarks on the Saudi-backed league.
For now, Ashley's message stands as a testament to her determination to be heard. “My heart goes out to the countless other victims,” she said, aligning herself with a broader movement of accountability.
