"American Pie" singer and songwriter Don McLean was arrested and charged for domestic violence assault in January when he allegedly abused his wife Patrisha, and since, she has filed for divorce.
At the time of his initial arrest, his alleged victim was unknown, but shortly after, Patrisha McLean revealed that she was the one he had abused. She then was granted a temporary order of protection from Don McLean, who pled guilty, because she said that he had perpetrated domestic violence for their entire 30-year marriage.
Patrisha McLean officially filed the divorce papers in Maine on Thursday citing "adultery, cruel and abusive treatment, and irreconcilable differences."
"After having time to reflect on her marriage, Patrisha decided that divorce is in her best interest, both physically and emotionally," her lawyer, Gene Libby, said. "Since Don McLean's arrest for domestic violence assault, domestic terrorizing, domestic violence criminal threatening, criminal restraint and criminal mischief on January 18, 2016, Don has been prohibited from contacting her, and she has gained strength and insight away from his influence and control. The domestic violence event of January 18, 2015 is one of many abusive episodes resulting from his rage and controlling behavior throughout the marriage."
Despite what Patrisha McLean has said, Don McLean's lawyer, Michael Asen, has said that his client is denying the characterizations made by her lawyer.
"Don is deeply saddened by the divorce and still cares deeply for his wife," Asen said. He then went on to explain that Don "strongly" disputes the claims of abuse "as well as the criminal charges but these allegations are the subject of a criminal matter and Don has asked me not to try the criminal matter or the divorce in the press...[He] was hopeful the parties could work through their differences with dignity and asks that people respect the privacy his entire family deserves."
When Patrisha McLean first spoke out following the incident, she explained that he had "deep and scary" rage and that she "feared for her life" when she made the 911 call. She also claimed that he had been terrorizing her for hours by squeezing her temples and that he threatened to kill her.
Don McLean still pleaded not guilty and even released a statement of his own. "This last year and especially now have been hard emotional times for my wife, my children and me," he said at the time. "What is occurring is the very painful breakdown of an almost 30-year relationship. Our hearts are broken and we must carry on. There are no winners or losers but I am not a villain."
