Ryan Phillippe denies domestic abuse allegations: 'This is wrong'

Sept. 20 (UPI) -- Ryan Phillippe says he's "sickened" by allegations he was abusive to a former partner.

The 43-year-old actor said in a Twitter post Tuesday that he was "saddened and disgusted" by ex-girlfriend Elsie Hewitt claiming he assaulted her in July.

"I am saddened and disgusted by the false allegations being circulated about me," Phillippe wrote. "At the time these allegations were initially made, I fully cooperated with law enforcement and a thorough investigation was conducted."

'As a man, raised by women, in a household where women's rights, feminism, and advocacy were very much at the forefront, I am sickened that my name can be found in any article where domestic violence of any kind is being alleged," he added.

"Domestic violence is a very real and tragic issue faced by many women the world over and should never be used to vengefully slander or as a ploy for monetary gain," the star said. "This is wrong. This is not who I am. Everyone one of my accuser's allegations are false."

Hewitt filed a lawsuit against Phillippe on Monday for allegedly kicking, punching and throwing her down the stairs July 4, according to People. She also accused the actor of "repeatedly abusing a panoply of legal and illegal drugs," including cocaine and ecstasy.

"Phillippe increasingly combined these drugs with excessive alcohol consumption and often exhibited symptoms attendant of poly drug and alcohol abuse, including mood swings and bouts of anger," the 21-year-old model claimed.

Hewitt, who split from Phillippe in July after three months of dating, said she suffered chest wall pain, abrasions and severe bruising as a result of the alleged incident. She thanked her followers for their support Monday.

"I'm a very private person but there are some tribulations I've been facing recently so I wanted to say thank u guys for your love, thank you to those who have been there for me, and thank you for those in my life who haven't, for teaching me a good lesson," the model wrote.