Murphy Stopped With TS Hooker

By TGForum Staff and Wire Services

Deputies pulled over film star Eddie Murphy in the wee hours Friday morning and arrested a transgender prostitute who was with him. They did not take the actor into custody, Los Angeles County sheriff's deputies said.

Initial reports were a bit vague, but Murphy was apparently pulled over in the vicinity of night club on Santa Monica Boulevard that is famous as a place for TGs, including some who make a living selling sexual favors.

No charges were brought against Murphy and he said yesterday that he did nothing wrong.

"It wasn't like we drove to some dark spot to do something," Murphy told television's "Entertainment Tonight."

"It was like they pulled me over, 'That's a hooker. She has warrants. You be careful, Eddie. Go on home.' That's what it was"" '

Lieutenant Mike Ford, a sheriff's spokesman, said: "The bottom line is that Mr. Murphy was not involved in any criminal activity and was not detained further."

The deputies trailed Murphy's vehicle, stopping him about two miles later.

"Investigation revealed no illegal activity had occurred," Ford said. "However, the passenger had a warrant for prostitution."

Atisone Seiuli, 20, of Los Angeles, was taken into custody and bail was set at $15,000. Seiuli was described by Deputy Mark Bailey as a transsexual

Murphy's publicist said it was an innocent mistake and in fact the actor had been trying to help someone he felt needed a lift home.

"Eddie was restless last night. He got up and drove to his favorite newsstand," said Paul Block. On the way home, he stopped at a red light and saw "a beautiful Hawai ian-looking woman approach his ear," the publicist said. "'You're Eddie Murphy,' the person said to him, and Eddie re plied, 'You shouldn't be out so late,'" Block said. He said Murphy thought the person looked tired "and he was concerned for her."