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HGTV’s ‘Flip or Flop’ stars announce split months after police called to home

Posted at 11:44 AM, Dec 12, 2016
and last updated 2016-12-12 11:44:57-05

LOS ANGELES — Tarek and Christina El Moussa, best known for their HGTV show “Flip or Flop,” announced their separation in a statement on Monday.

The couple issued the statement six months after police were called to their home following a “misunderstanding.” No charges were filed.

The couple addressed the incident in a statement to TMZ:

“Like many couples, we have had challenges in our marriage. We had an unfortunate misunderstanding about six months ago and the police were called to our house in an abundance of caution. There was no violence and no charges were filed.”

According to TMZ, police responded to the couple’s home in May after reports of a “possibly suicidal” male with a gun. At least 11 officers responded to the scene where Tarek was reportedly seen grabbing a gun from a safe before leaving the home.

Tarek told deputies he had no intention of hurting himself, saying he needed to “blow off some steam.” Tarek went for a walk on a trail and said he brought the weapon for protection against mountain lions and rattlesnakes.

In the statement issued on Monday, the couple said they sought counseling over the past few months but decided to separate while they evaluate their marriage.

“During the process, we are committed to our kids and being the best parents we can be. We will continue to work through this process civilly and cooperatively, and plan to continue our professional life together.”

“Flip or Flop” will continue to air on HGTV as scheduled, the network said in a statement to PEOPLE:

“We admire and appreciate Tarek and Christina’s great work on Flip or Flop. When it comes to matters related to their own family, we respect their privacy and honor any decision that works best for them and their children. HGTV is currently airing episodes of Flip or Flop and the series will continue production as scheduled.”