David Hasselhoff 'abuse' claims

(BANG) - David Hasselhoff's estranged wife Pamela Bach claims the 'Baywatch' star has "emotionally abused" her.

Bach attended a hearing regarding the couple's bitter divorce battle at a Los Angeles County court on Tuesday morning (01.05.07).

Bach said outside the court: "There is emotional abuse, verbal abuse, and if I didn't have a restraining order there would be physical abuse."

Bach's new lawyer Debra Opri has also claimed Hasselhoff's alcoholism caused serious problems in the marriage.

When asked why she had hired a new attorney, Bach said: "Debra is a winner, and I'm sick of being abused."

Hasselhoff's representative claims Bach was forced to hire a new lawyer because of her "inconsistent behaviour".

The representative said: "Mr. Hasselhoff continues to fulfil his obligations to his former wife and their children and as a result they continue to maintain the same lifestyle they were accustomed to.

"Unfortunately, his ex-wife continues to use the press and the children as a tool to present herself as a victim. She has had no less than nine sets of attorneys who have all let her go due to the inconsistency of her behaviour."

Hasselhoff added: "I have the respect of my daughters and my fans and most importantly my self respect. I will continue to keep my personal life private for the sake of moving on and living a happy life with my children."

Opri represented Larry Birkhead in the custody battle for the late Anna Nicole Smith's baby, Dannielynn. Birkhead was proved to be the biological father after a DNA test.

(C) BANG Media International