NEW YORK, Oct. 17, 2006

Evans' Husband To Defend Himself In Court

Craig Schelske Says Singer Is 'Waging A False Media Campaign'

  • Sara Evans

    Sara Evans  (Getty Images/Ethan Miller)

(CBS/AP)  Craig Schelske said Tuesday that he cannot explain why his estranged wife, Sara Evans, is "waging a false media campaign" against him, but has set forth a plan of action to deal with the allegations.

"I intend to defend myself in court and protect my children as best I can," he said in a statement released Tuesday.

Country singer Sara Evans, 35, filed for divorce on Thursday claiming Schelske committed adultery, was verbally and emotionally abusive, drank excessively and frequently watched pornography in their home. Schelske denies the allegations.

In his statement, Schelske acknowledged the earlier statements of Alison Clinton, a former nanny with whom Evans claims he had an affair.

"I deeply appreciate the courageous decision of our friend and former employee Alison Clinton to step forward and tell the truth in the face of the cruel and false allegations leveled against her by Sara," he said. "No one should have to go through what Alison is being forced to endure, and she is in my prayers."

Schelske has prepared for Evans' taped appearance on the ABC's "Dancing With The Stars," tonight. Evans quit the show last week.

"My attorneys have put ABC on notice that I deny the false allegations in the divorce complaint, that those false allegations should not be repeated in the broadcast, and that Sara and ABC should consider the impact of her televised statement on our children, whose well-being remains my highest concern," he said.

Yesterday Clinton spoke out about the allegations that she had an affair with Schelske. Evans claimed Clinton and Schelske had an affair in divorce papers filed last week.

"I am crushed. I thought Sara was my friend. I have never been anything but loyal to her and her family. I cannot understand this, but now I am forced clear my name in order to preserve the best possible future for me and my family," she said in a statement.

She has hired an attorney who demanded a retraction from Evans.

Continued



©MMVI, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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