Deontay Wilder’s Fiancée Receives Restraining Order Amid Abuse Allegation
Shuntel “Telli” Swift, fiancée of Deontay Wilder, obtained a temporary restraining order after alleging that Wilder physically assaulted her at least 10 times since their relationship began in 2015. According to the request filed with the Los Angeles County Superior Court on May 30, Swift stated that Wilder’s mental health has deteriorated during his struggles in the boxing ring.
Swift reported that some of the assaults occurred in the presence of their 6-year-old daughter and her son. The restraining order mandates that Wilder must stay at least 100 yards away from Swift and their daughter. Wilder did not respond to requests for comment, and his co-manager, Shelly Finkel, declined to comment.
According to Swift, Wilder possesses at least 12 guns, including a machine gun, an assault rifle, and a Glock. Following the restraining order, Wilder was required to sell or turn in these firearms to law enforcement within 24 hours.
Swift, 37, expressed fear of what Wilder, 38, might do upon returning from his June 1 loss against Zilhei Zhang in Saudi Arabia. She detailed that Wilder’s behavior worsened after he suffered his first professional loss on February 22, 2020, to Tyson Fury, who stopped Wilder by TKO in the seventh round of their rematch. After losing to Fury again on October 9, 2021, Wilder became emotionally unstable, crying and yelling frequently at home.
Swift said Wilder has been more emotionally abusive since losing to Joseph Parker in December. She mentioned suffering in silence due to Wilder’s increasing aggression and controlling behavior, not wanting to exacerbate his mental health struggles.
Allegations of Physical Abuse
Swift recounted that Wilder has physically assaulted her at least five times and choked her at least five times, holding his hand around her neck until she almost blacked out, leaving painful bruises. She noted the significant size difference between them, with Wilder standing 6-foot-7 and weighing 220 pounds, compared to her 5-foot-4, 150 pounds.
In 2020, Swift said Wilder choked her in front of their daughter and her son, Kerron. She also accused Wilder of twice attacking Kerron, once slamming his head against Swift’s car and another time pushing on his chest, causing it to turn dark red.
Swift claimed the last physical attack on her took place in 2020, but Wilder’s emotional abuse has since increased. Recently, he threatened to evict her from one of their homes while she was recovering from surgery.
Additional Allegations
Swift said she has tried to leave Wilder during fights, but he would not let her. In 2017, while three months pregnant, Wilder allegedly hid her house and car keys to prevent her from leaving.
Swift stated that Wilder’s behavior worsened in April due to his mistaken belief that she was having an affair. She alleged that Wilder has been unfaithful, citing photos she found of him having sex with multiple women in their bed. According to court records, Wilder also demands sex from her three times a day.
Swift emphasized the need for a domestic violence restraining order to protect herself and her children from Wilder, whom she described as “unpredictable.” The restraining order expires on June 25, the date of the court hearing regarding the matter.
