According to multiple local reporters – but not the initial police report (based on the victim’s claims) – Nigel Bradham claims he was defending his girlfriend in the Miami Beach incident that led to his arrest. He says he swung at a cabana boy after the alleged victim assaulted his girlfriend first:

But the alleged victim, Jean Courtois, spoke to NJ Advance Media and denied that he struck anyone. Here’s how he says it all went down:

“(Bradham) asked me to set up six chairs in the front (of the hotel). I told him I couldn’t set up six chairs in the front because the city wouldn’t allow it. I told him that I couldn’t do it, and he had to use the back [of the hotel].

So I set up six chairs. Next, I had to (set up) the umbrella. To set up the umbrella, I had to use a drill. My manager was my witness. I told my manager to go get the drill. I needed it to fix the umbrella. When I went to go fix it, (Nigel Bradham) hit me.”

What started as an assault arrest has very quickly turned into a he said-he said argument over who swung first. At least we know Bradham swung last.