Andrew O’Keefe has been arrested in the Sydney CBD for allegedly assaulting a woman.
The former TV host, 50, allegedly grabbed a 38-year-old woman by the throat at his Kent Street apartment on Tuesday afternoon.
He was arrested at 4.30am on Thursday morning after the police were made aware of the allegedly altercation.
The former White Ribbon ambassador has been taken to Day Street Police Station and is expected to be charged.
“A verbal argument ensued between the pair, before the man allegedly assaulted the woman – grabbing her by the throat, pushing her to the ground and punching her,” a police statement read, as reported by ABC.
“The man allegedly assaulted the woman a second time – punching and kicking her – before she left the unit.”
Last year, he had two counts of domestic violence charges dismissed on mental health grounds, as his lawyer revealed the former TV presenter had been diagnosed with bipolar and was hypomanic at the time.
O’Keefe, who has had several stints in rehab, admitted at the time to spitting on, slapping, kicking and pushing his then-partner Dr Orly Lavee, 9News reported.
O’Keefe, who was a lawyer prior to his TV work, is best known for hosting Channel Seven game shows The Chase and the now-defunct Deal Or No Deal.
In February 2021, a Channel 7 spokesperson told news.com.au: “Seven is obviously very concerned to read the reports regarding Andrew O’Keefe.
“Seven has had a 17-year relationship with Andrew across a number of programs, although he is no longer with the network. As this is a police matter before the courts, we cannot comment further.”
He was replaced as host of The Chase by The Morning Show host Larry Emdur last year.
Seven’s Network programming director, Angus Ross, said: “Everyone at Seven is delighted that Larry has agreed to take on this new role.
“He is the ideal host for The Chase Australia. Australians love Larry. Australians love the show. Together, they are the perfect combination.”