Blake Shelton has sued In Touch Weekly for $2 million after the tabloid published a false cover story that claimed the country superstar had hit "rock bottom."
In Touch's September 28 issue alleged that Shelton, 39, struggled with sobriety and faithfulness during his marriage to Miranda Lambert. (The country superstars announced they were splitting last July. Their divorce was finalized hours after they confirmed the split to Us Weekly.)
In his sworn declaration obtained by TMZ on Thursday, March 17, Shelton lists at least eight gaping holes in the story published by In Touch. They include:
— "I have never been to rehab."
— "I did not then nor have I ever hit rock bottom."
— "I do not drink excessively, binge drink or have a drinking problem."
— "I do not drink vodka before 11 AM."
— "I am never drunk, intoxicated, or unable to perform my job on 'The Voice.'"
— "I do not slur my words or stumble when I drink."
— "I have never urinated on a mailbox."
In addition to the aforementioned claims printed in the mag, Shelton defended his honor during his marriage to Lambert. "My ex-wife Miranda Lambert did not catch me with a bunch of naked women in our Tennessee home."
Crisis expert Judy Smith (the real-life inspiration for Scandal's Olivia Pope), who is representing Shelton, told TMZ: "The story was categorically false. Blake said enough is enough and decided to fight back."
