Newly released police bodycam footage shows Olympic gold medalist Sha’Carri Richardson being arrested following a domestic dispute with fellow sprinter and boyfriend Christian Coleman at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.
The video, released Wednesday by Port of Seattle Police, captures a tense and emotional scene as officers respond to an altercation between the two athletes. Richardson, 25, can be heard arguing with police and directing harsh words at Coleman, calling him a “coward” and accusing him of putting her in a difficult situation.
“This is the position that Christian puts me into,” Richardson says to the officer. “Because he’s a coward and I don’t want anything to do with him from this point going forward. My name is Sha’Carri Richardson… I haven’t put my hands on him. We had an argument, I’ll be honest about that.”
Police say surveillance footage contradicted that claim, reportedly showing Richardson shoving Coleman multiple times, including once into a wall, as he tried to walk away. Officers ultimately arrested her for assault.
Once handcuffed, Richardson became visibly emotional, pleading with officers to remove the restraints. “My name is Sha’Carri Richardson… I don’t have anything on me. Can you please take these off? I am not a criminal. I had an argument with my boyfriend.”
She also directed her frustration at Coleman, yelling at him as she was led away in handcuffs, “Christian, are you serious right now? Christian, I am going to go to jail because of you right now.”
Sha’Carri Richardson Issues Public Apology
Following the incident, Richardson posted a heartfelt apology on social media directed at Coleman, expressing remorse for her actions and acknowledging past trauma. “I apologize to Christian. He came into my life & gave me more than a relationship but a greater understanding of unconditional love… I love him & to him I can’t apologize enough. My apology should be just as loud as my actions – honestly, louder.”
Richardson, a two-time Olympic medalist, including one gold, added that she is seeking professional help and working to address personal challenges stemming from her past.
No official charges or legal updates have been confirmed beyond the initial arrest.