James Argent branded ‘shameful’ during social media return amid suspended sentence for domestic abuse against girlfriend
Former Towie star James Argent has sparked controversy after returning to social media and public performances just days after receiving a suspended sentence for assaulting his girlfriend.
The 37-year-old reality TV personality was handed a six-month suspended prison sentence and a two-year restraining order last week after admitting to pushing Swedish model Nicoline Artursson during an argument whilst on holiday in Spain.
Despite the serious nature of his offence, Argent has wasted no time in resuming his public life, performing at a charity event in London and sharing images of himself smiling in a tuxedo on Instagram.
In his Instagram stories, Argent posed with a friend at the Wickers Charity Ball in London, captioning the image: “It was an honour to perform for The Wickers Charity, raising over £100,000.
“So proud of @brogangarritsmith for all her hard work.”
Dressed in a black tuxedo and bow tie, he appeared upbeat as he performed with his group, The Arg Band, at the event, which raises funds to tackle knife crime.
The performance included Argent singing Rick Astley’s “Never Gonna Give You Up” to a packed room of attendees who were seen dancing along to his performance.
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The incident occurred during a trip to La Cala de Mijas, where Argent was arrested after pushing Artursson during an argument. According to eyewitness accounts, he was heard “yelling” before forcing the former Miss Sweden out of her apartment door, causing her to fall down some steps.
“We saw him throwing objects from the terrace of a nearby house. We were frightened by his shouts,” one witness told the Daily Mail.
The confrontation was serious enough that Artursson reportedly required hospital treatment. Following his arrest, Argent appeared before a court in Fuengirola where he admitted to a domestic violence charge, resulting in his suspended sentence and restraining order.
Friends who knew Argent and Artursson have condemned his swift return to public life. Speaking to The Sun, one source said: “James should be ashamed of himself. He is acting like nothing happened and seems to be trying to brush over this. What he did was serious.”
The source added: “People who knew them as a couple were so shocked by what had happened but now to see James smiling and playing up to the cameras. It feels shameless.”
Fans have also expressed their disapproval on social media, with many branding the reality star’s behaviour as “shameful” following his appearance at the charity event.
Addressing the speculation that his behaviour might have been triggered by a return to substance abuse, Argent issued a statement denying any relapse.
“I haven’t relapsed. I am still three years and four months clean and sober. I am devastated by what’s happened,” he told the Daily Mail.
As part of the court’s ruling, it is understood that Argent may be required to complete a ten-week domestic violence rehabilitation course in Spain. This programme reportedly includes listening to the stories of abuse survivors.
The reality star, who has previously spoken about his struggles with addiction, has maintained that the incident was not related to his past issues with drugs and alcohol.
Witnesses who comforted Artursson immediately after the incident reported she was visibly distressed. One bystander told The Mirror: “She was crying a lot. She looked extremely distressed and nervous.
“She told me, ‘I’m in total shock…my life with Arg was so happy before this. I can’t believe what’s happened…we planned to have a family’.”
“Artursson has remained in Spain following the incident, while Argent is believed to have returned to Essex. She was recently photographed with her mother, Pernille Artursson, who has been supporting her since the altercation with Argent.