Ashley Perez Accuses Phil Mickelson of Lewd Behavior in 2015

Ashley Perez, the ex-wife of professional golfer Pat Perez, has come forward with a disturbing allegation against Phil Mickelson, one of the most revered figures in golf. According to Perez, Mickelson engaged in lewd behavior towards her in 2015 during a golf tournament, allegedly showing her a full-body nude picture of himself and propositioning her for sex. The incident, which occurred prior to the 2015 Barclays Championship, adds to a growing list of allegations against Mickelson regarding his behavior with women.

Perez revealed the details of the incident to journalist Alan Shipnuck, who published the story on Skratch. Mickelson, she claims, reached out to her before the tournament to suggest that she and her husband stay at his villa at Liberty National Golf Club. One night, while the couple was drinking wine on the balcony, Mickelson allegedly took out his phone and showed Perez a full-body picture of himself naked, with an erection. He then told her, 'I'm going to leave my bedroom door open tonight. When Pat falls asleep, I want you to come see me,' according to Perez.

Perez refused the invitation and did not say anything to her husband when he returned from the restroom. However, she revealed the incident to Pat at the conclusion of the tournament. Pat Perez reportedly told several people about the incident, which ultimately became an urban legend on the golf tour. Mickelson eventually apologized to Pat during a corporate event at the Madison Club in La Quinta, California.

The incident comes as part of a larger pattern of behavior that has left several women traumatized, including a female employee at the Farms Golf Club in Rancho Santa Fe, California. According to a report, Mickelson lost his membership at the club earlier this year due to 'non-consensual, inappropriate' behavior. Shipnuck details other incidents of Mickelson propositioning women or acting inappropriately. The Perez incident is significant, as it marks the first time a woman has spoken out publicly about Mickelson's behavior, using her name.

Perez's decision to come forward was motivated by a desire to give other women the courage to share their own experiences with powerful men. 'There is a culture of silence that keeps women from coming forward,' she said. 'I want to give other women the courage to share their truth.' Perez, who has experience with egotistical and narcissistic behavior, having been married to one, believes that Mickelson's behavior is a result of his own trauma.

Mickelson's attorney, Tom Clare, has responded to the allegations, stating that 'some of the allegations circulating about Mr. Mickelson are false, and others revisit mistakes he has already acknowledged, publicly or privately.' Clare did not provide specifics on which claims fall into each category. Mickelson's wife, Amy, has supported him throughout their 35-year relationship, but the couple is now dealing with a private family health matter.

Mickelson has played in only one professional event this season, finishing T48 at LIV Golf South Africa in March. He cited a family health matter as the reason for his absence from LIV Golf, the Masters, and PGA Championship, where he had exemptions as a past champion. His status for the Open Championship at Royal Birkdale is uncertain, but it would be the first time since 1989 he has not appeared in at least one major championship.