Tiger Woods has come out swinging at his ex-girlfriend.
This is after Erica Herman, the golfer’s ex, claimed that she should be released from a Non-Disclosure Agreement he made her sign in 2017 based on a law that allows exceptions for victims of sexual assault.
In new court documents filed Monday (March 13) and obtained by People, Woods disputes Erica’s complaint, in which she asked to void the NDA she signed when they started dating.
As earlier reported, Erica filed complaints early last Monday (March 6) suggesting that the NDA should become invalid because of a federal law called the Speak Out Act. The law was established to protect victims of alleged sexual harassment and abuse.
And while there are no specifics on the alleged abuse Erica might have faced in the relationship, her insinuations are apparent.
In his response, Woods accused Erica Herman of trying to thwart the judicial system because she did not previously file any legal allegations of abuse – and has not offered any proof of such claims – during their months-long legal saga.
“Ms. Herman’s position is utterly meritless,” attorneys for Woods’ trust wrote in the documents. “It is a transparent abuse of the judicial process that undermines the purpose of the federal statute and those whom the statute seeks to protect.”
“Ms. Herman is not a victim of sexual assault or abuse sought to be protected by Congress when enacting the statute,” the attorneys continued.
“Rather, Ms. Herman is a jilted ex-girlfriend who wants to publicly litigate specious claims in court rather than honor her commitment to arbitrate disputes in a confidential arbitration proceeding.”
The filing also notes that Erica signed the NDA in 2017, binding her to settle disputes privately “as consideration for” the opportunity “to continue to spend time with Mr. Woods.”
“For more than six years, Ms. Herman enjoyed the benefits of the agreement,” attorneys for the famed golfer continued, adding that she is “making salacious and insidious implications” of claims relating to sexual assault disputes.
The ex-couple’s bitter feud – which dates back to October 2022 but only spilled into the public realm last week – kicked off after Erica filed a lawsuit claiming she’s owed $30 million in December.
In the lawsuit, Erica claimed Woods booted her from his Florida mansion before the terms of their “oral agreement” allowing her to reside there for another five years ended.
Then on March 6, Erica filed a separate complaint in a bid to nullify the NDA and, in the meantime, seek judicial clarification on what she’s legally allowed to disclose publicly about her almost six-year relationship with Woods.
In that filing, which cites the Speak Out Act, Erica checked “yes” under a question asking if the cause involves “sexual abuse allegations.” However, no specific allegations were referenced in her court documents.
Woods’ filing alleges that Erica ticked “no” to a similar question in her initial landlord complaint.
A source close to the ex-couple told People that Erica is just upset about the breakup and that it “was stale for a long time.”
The insider claims Erica “was more serious about a long-term commitment” than Woods was, adding that she “was there for him” throughout his 2021 car accident that restricted his ability to golf. Hence, she “thinks that kind of loyalty is worth something.”
However, Woods was “getting restless” in his relationship with Erica “even before the accident,” the source also revealed. “It deteriorated further after he recovered from the accident.”
Tigers lawyer pic.twitter.com/JopqT0nP4g
— Chi Chi (@ChiChimemes) March 8, 2023
She’s not asking for any monetary settlement. She wants to tell her story and based on his history I for one would like to hear it. Everyone needs to have a voice. These type of NDA’s allow the wealthy to place themselves above the law.
— Randal (@Randalsomine) March 8, 2023
She probably thinks she can make more money trying to expose him. Women care way to much now in days about money.
— Brooklyn Bridges (@Dagoat2009) March 8, 2023
This is who he is.
An awful, deceitful person, but yet, despite 1 Major win since 2009, he is talked about ALL the time.
On par for someone of his character.
— Fire Pat Fitzgerald (@FireFitzgerald) March 8, 2023
He married his baby sitter and she took all of his money and beat him up..for cheating. This lady is lying too talking bout “sexual assault”, false accusations gotta be penalized at some point
— SOUTHSIDE RILLA (@pushforgorilla) March 8, 2023
So she signed an nda knowing she’d never worry about money again if things went well. Then tiger dumped her and now she has to worry about money again. So she claims sexual assault to get out of nda and write a book/ go every talk show/podcast
— Brain (@BallardSTANacct) March 8, 2023
Tiger got wood again We knew he “would” how does he get out of these woods now? Oh nelly would I would I No harelip Anyone remember that joke lol
— Paul Stephens (@PaulSte93465466) March 8, 2023
She knows their is a huge audience if she claims to be a “victim” and can appear on Gayle King.
— Greg (@HotBoyNY1) March 8, 2023
this is the result of this bogus victim culture ruining our country. how does one do the woke math in their head….. she is a woman how many points? he is bi racial how many points? but bi racial half is Asian?? he is a man??? was married to a white??? but cheated???? ahhhh
— Austin Friend (@AFCrandall) March 8, 2023
At least he’s not in the news this time for driving his car a high speeds into stationary objects, once again
— Tapin (@TappyTapin) March 8, 2023
— AMC?APE (@RobertLindelof1) March 8, 2023
Tiger has had a bunch of off the course issues ever since the blow up with his ex-wife. However, never (that I know of) accused of sexual assault. So, this is much different from before. Hopefully she isn’t accusing him of something that’s not true just for fame or money.
— Thomas Phillips (@TPH1LLY) March 8, 2023