**James Argent Speaks Out Following Arrest During Spanish Holiday Dispute**
James ‘Arg’ Argent, known widely for his stint on the reality television series *The Only Way Is Essex* (TOWIE), has publicly addressed the incident that saw him arrested on Spain’s Costa del Sol earlier this month. Argent, aged 37, was detained by local authorities in the popular resort town of Mijas after an argument with his partner Nicoline Artursson, a former Miss Sweden.
Spanish police, specifically the Civil Guard, confirmed his arrest on Sunday, 5th May. The altercation, which took place while the couple were holidaying, led to Argent being held on suspicion of domestic violence. The incident has brought renewed focus to the issue of violence within relationships and highlighted the need for support services for those affected.
Reports indicate that at a court hearing in Fuengirola, Argent acknowledged “mistreating” Artursson. The court handed down a suspended custodial sentence, and Argent has been ordered to participate in a gender violence resocialisation programme. Additionally, a court-imposed restraining order is now in effect, requiring the reality star to have no contact with Artursson.
This development has disappointed many fans who know Argent from his television appearances. As one of the original stars of *TOWIE*, he was a familiar face from the show’s launch in 2010 until his departure in 2018. Since then, Argent has featured in various television programmes, including *Celebrity Super Spa*, *The Jump* and *Celebs Go Dating*, and had been carving a career as a singer and entertainer.
Addressing the public for the first time since his arrest, Argent expressed his deep regret over the situation. In a statement to the *Daily Mail*, he stated, “I am devastated by what’s happened.” He went on to stress that despite the emotional toll of the recent events, he has not experienced a relapse, maintaining, “I am still three years and four months clean and sober.”
Argent has spoken openly in the past about his struggles with addiction and recovery. In comments made last year, he reflected, “I battled with [drug addiction] for a number of years. But I’ve got through it and I’m doing alright. I’m clean, sober, and I have been for a long time now.” For many fans, his journey to sobriety had been an inspiring aspect of his public life, making the current incident even more unsettling.
Authorities in Spain have reiterated their commitment to addressing domestic abuse. A spokesperson for the Guardia Civil stated, “We can confirm Mr Argent was arrested by ‘Policia Local’ of Mijas for an alleged crime of domestic violence on 5th May.” The case is being treated seriously, reflecting Spain’s broader legal framework for tackling violence against women.
If you or someone you know is affected by domestic abuse, support is available in the UK and Wales, with a range of services offering confidential advice in several languages. Immediate help is available by dialling 999 in emergencies. Organisations such as the Live Fear Free Helpline (0808 8010800), Bawso, Refuge, and the Men’s Advice Line all offer specialist assistance for those in need. The National LGBT+ Domestic Abuse Helpline and NSPCC Childline also provide tailored support.
This incident has sparked broader conversations about the pressures faced by television personalities and the expectation placed upon public figures to act responsibly. While many will be watching developments closely, the incident serves as an important reminder that no one is immune to making mistakes, but the safety and well-being of those involved must remain the top priority.
As the dust settles, friends and supporters of both Argent and Artursson hope all parties can find the support and guidance needed to move forward. The entertainment industry and the public alike continue to grapple with how high-profile cases such as these can lead to constructive discussions and increased awareness about domestic violence.