Doctor apologizes for $73,000 ring lawsuit

HOUSTON, Oct. 11 (UPI) -- A well-known Houston doctor said he was dropping a lawsuit seeking a $73,000 engagement ring from his ex-fiancee and he will pay her legal fees.

Tony Buzbee, an attorney for Nichole Johnson, released a statement from the woman's ex-fiance, Dr. Craig Fischer, chief of digestive surgical oncology and associate professor of surgery at Methodist Hospital, apologizing for the lawsuit, the Houston Chronicle reported Tuesday.

"I apologize for filing a lawsuit against Nichole Johnson," the statement reads. "It was a big mistake on my part. I was wrong and should have never done it. I am immediately dropping the case and will pay Nichole $100,000 as attorney's fees. I also want to thank Nichole's attorneys for helping me understand the mistake I made. Again, I am sorry. I will have no further comment."

Buzbee, who previously said he would be turning the ring over to Fischer, said his client had previously attempted to return the piece of jewelry.