Newly released bodycam footage reveals the tense and emotional moments during Mary Lou Retton’s DUI arrest earlier this year.
The former Olympic gold medalist, 57, is seen in the video wearing a bright yellow top and brown shorts as she’s pulled over by police in an AutoZone parking lot in Fairmont, West Virginia, on May 17.
Retton appears disoriented as the officer begins instructing her on how to perform a field sobriety test. She mumbles “Oh my God” and becomes increasingly frustrated as the test continues. When asked to keep balancing, she snaps, “Oh, come on.”
Though pulled over in West Virginia, Retton told officers she had only a Texas driver’s license — but didn’t have it on her at the time. She presented her passport instead and refused to take a breathalyzer test, which resulted in an additional charge.
During the stop, she grows emotional, turning to a loved one and saying, “Oh my God, Gia. They think I’m drunk,” as the person tries to advocate for her.
Despite her protests, officers handcuffed Retton and took her to the station. There, she acknowledged her fame, telling one officer: “I mean, really… I know, you know [who I am].”
Retton’s mugshot, released the same day as the footage, shows her visibly upset, eyes red and teary.
The arrest stemmed from a May 17 incident in which Retton was reportedly seen driving her Porsche erratically with an open container of wine in the vehicle. She was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
In June, Retton appeared in court, where she was fined $100. After the hearing, she spoke to Entertainment Tonight, issuing a public apology:
“I take full responsibility for my actions. What happened was completely unacceptable. I make no excuses.
To my family, friends, and fans: I have let you down, and for that I am deeply sorry. I am determined to learn and grow from this experience and am committed to making positive changes in my life.”
Representatives for Retton have not responded to requests for comment.
