Major new update emerges in Tiger Woods court dispute with ex-girlfriend
Tigers Woods won a major court battle this week regarding his dispute with his ex-girlfriend and whether she can still live in his home.
A circuit court judge in Martin County, Fla., ruled that Woods and Erica Herman should settle their dispute in arbitration as called for in a nondisclosure agreement she signed. Attorneys for Tiger Woods had asked for arbitration, while Herman wanted the NDA invalidated so she could pursue the issue in open court.
The relationship between the two started in 2014 when she began working at his Florida restaurant. They became romantically involved in 2015 and she moved in with him the following year. The NDA came along in 2017.
Herman filed her latest suit against Tiger Woods in March, several months after his reps locked her out of the house under the ruse that she was going on vacation. She sought to nullify the NDA by trying to use the new Speak Out Act. That’s a clause that protects victims of sexual harassment.
Herman didn’t bring up sexual harassment or assault in her first complaint she filed against Tiger Woods. When the two still were together, they maintained a low profile. People magazine counted only three instances where Woods mentioned Herman on his Instagram account.
Judge Elizabeth Metzger noted that Herman still hasn’t talked specifics in regards to harassment or assault. She said: “Herman has had the opportunity to provide factual specificity for any claim relating to sexual assault or sexual harassment, however, she has not done so. Additionally, at no time has Herman’s counsel requested an opportunity to file” any allegations against Woods concerning harassment or assault.
Metzger also said no to Herman’s request for a public hearing. Herman wanted the judge to consider “a factual dispute about the alleged formation of the arbitration agreement.” Herman said she didn’t recall signing the agreement. However, Metzger said the agreement “appears on its face to be valid.” Metzger said there was “no substantial issue of fact regarding the making or existence” of the agreement.
Although the judge ordered arbitration, the court filings still are very public. Herman contends that she still has five years remaining on a deal to live in Woods’ home. Plus, in a filing last fall, Herman says Tiger Woods owes her $30 million in damages.
Meanwhile, Woods is recuperating from recent ankle surgery. He hasn’t competed since The Masters in early April. The rest of the golfing’s big names are competing this weekend for the PGA Championship.