Sha’Carri Richardson is speaking out and taking accountability following her arrest at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport on July 27. The Olympic track star was charged with fourth-degree assault after a heated argument with her boyfriend and fellow runner, Christian Coleman, turned physical.
According to reports, the dispute began as a verbal exchange between the couple of two years. After leaving a security checkpoint, Richardson allegedly pushed Coleman and invaded his personal space. Surveillance footage showed her shoving him “hard enough” to send him crashing into a nearby column. Coleman reportedly attempted to walk away to get help, but Richardson continued, at one point throwing headphones that struck him.
Police arrested her on probable cause, booking her at the South Correctional Entity in Des Moines, Washington. She was released the following day.
In an Instagram Story video posted on August 12, Richardson did not directly mention the arrest or Coleman but reflected on the incident as an opportunity for growth.
“I see myself. I’m taking this time to not only see myself, but give myself a certain level of help that overall is going to reflect who I truly am… not allowing this moment, but accepting this moment to be more,” she said. She added that she refuses to “run away” from her mistakes, instead choosing to “face everything… head-on.”
Coleman also addressed the situation last week, describing it as “a sucky situation all around” and saying he didn’t believe Richardson should have been arrested.
“People have discussions and emotions,” he noted.
“She has things that she needs to work on for herself, of course. So do I… I’m in the business of extending grace and mercy and love.”
However, after her video acknowledgment of her arrest, Sha’Carri Richardson circled back to social media with another message. This time, she apologized directly to her boyfriend. She did not reveal, however, whether the incident impacted their relationship status. Sha’Carri also didn’t say what caused their airport beef in the first place.
“I apologize to Christian. He came into my life & gave me more than a relationship, but a greater understanding of unconditional love from what I’ve experienced in my past. Due to my past trauma & pain, I was blind & blocked off to not only receive it but give it. I love him & to him I can’t apologize enough. My apologize should be just as loud as my actions. Honestly louder. To Christian, I love you & I am so sorry.”
