Michelle Branch was arrested on Thursday for domestic violence, the same day the singer told People she was splitting from her husband, Black Keys drummer Patrick Carney, after three years. The breakup news came hours after she posted a social media message, which she later deleted, that Carney cheated on her.
“To say I’m completely devastated doesn’t even begin to describe how I feel about myself and about my family,” Branch said in her statement to the magazine on Thursday. “The rug was completely pulled out from under me and now I have to think about how to proceed. With children so young, I ask for privacy and kindness.”
Michelle Branch, pictured in this widely shared mugshot, was arrested on Thursday for domestic violence. (Photo: Nashville Police Department)
The “Goodbye to You” singer and Carney share a son, Rhys, who turns 4 this month, and a 6-month-old daughter, Willie. (Branch and her ex-husband Teddy Landau are parents to a 17-year-old daughter.)
TMZ reported that police were called to Branch and Carney’s home at 2 a.m. due to possible domestic disturbances, and Branch confirmed that she had slapped her husband “once or twice” in the face. Carney didn’t appear to be hurt.
Michelle Branch and Patrick Carney are separating after three years of marriage. (Photo: Jason Kempin/Getty Images for Universal Music Group)
According to the Davidson County Sheriff’s Office website near Branch’s Nashville residence, an inmate named Michelle J. Branch was admitted with the singer’s birthday at 4:30 a.m. Thursday and was released at 11:38 a.m. the same day.
Yahoo Entertainment has contacted the Davidson County Sheriff’s Office and representatives from Branch and Carney.
Meanwhile, Branch, who won a Grammy for Game of Love in 2003, has been charged with domestic assault. She posted $1,000 bail and was ordered to appear in court on November 7.