Transsexual prostitute arrested in Eddie Murphy's car

May 2, 1997

Web posted at: 10:26 p.m. EDT (0226 GMT)

WEST HOLLYWOOD, California (CNN) -- Sheriff's deputies pulled over Eddie Murphy early Friday and arrested a transsexual prostitute who was riding in his car, authorities said. A spokesman for the actor maintained Murphy was just being a "good Samaritan" by offering the transsexual a ride.

Sheriff's deputies pulled over Murphy's Land Cruiser at 4:45 a.m., a short time after they observed a "known transsexual prostitute" get inside, authorities said.

A sheriff's department spokesman said deputies determined no illegal activity had occurred, but they arrested Atisone Seuli, 20, on an outstanding warrant for prostitution.

An attorney representing Seuli appeared on his behalf in Hollywood Municipal Court Friday. The judge sentenced Seuli to 90 days in a Los Angeles County jail for violating probation, and ordered him to fulfill the conditions of his original probation.

Murphy, 36, star of the "Beverly Hills Cop" movies and the recent hit remake of "The Nutty Professor," was not arrested or charged.

His spokesman told CNN Murphy had trouble sleeping Thursday night, felt restless and decided to drive to a newsstand. After leaving the newsstand, Murphy spotted someone who appeared to be "having a problem," the spokesman said. The star stopped his vehicle to see if the person was all right. At that time, the individual asked Murphy for a ride, and he agreed, the spokesman said.

The spokesman quoted Murphy as saying, "I did nothing wrong. I was trying to be a good Samaritan and this is what happens."

Murphy is renting a house in Los Angeles while he films a remake of "Dr. Doolittle." His wife and children are with him in Los Angeles.

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