Why was Tarek El Moussa cited for battery? Reality star’s altercation in Las Vegas explored

Tarek El Moussa’s family getaway in Las Vegas didn’t end quite as planned.

The Flip or Flop star received a citation for battery after an altercation broke out late on June 5, involving another man. While he wasn’t taken into custody, a source told E! News that,

“he was protecting his elderly father.”

Details about how the dispute began remain unclear. However, TMZ reported that the situation escalated quickly and turned physical. A source shared,

“Tarek delivered a brutal knee to the man’s head, knocking him out cold, the other guy looked seriously roughed up.”

The man involved reportedly declined medical assistance at the scene. Authorities later cited Tarek El Moussa for battery. According to a statement shared by the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, officers responded to the incident just after 11 p.m. in the 3300 block of South Las Vegas Boulevard. The department shared with E! News,

“Two males were involved in a physical altercation resulting in one being cited.”

Tarek El Moussa’s Instagram worthy Vegas trip ends with battery citation

Tarek El Moussa had been in town for a speaking engagement, accompanied by his wife, Heather Rae El Moussa, and their parents. Heather gave fans a glimpse of the family’s Vegas trip on Instagram prior to the incident. She shared,

"Not our average Vegas trip… Watched Tarek do his thing on stage (so proud!) and made it extra special by bringing our parents along for the ride."

Heather added,

"We got to show them a glimpse behind the scenes — our world, our work, and of course, the glam. Grateful for these moments that we get to spend together."

Tarek El Moussa reflects on fatherhood and the wisdom passed down by his dad

Tarek El Moussa spoke about his parents in a 2018 interview with Country Living, noting that they had married young.

“My dad was raised Catholic in the Middle East in Lebanon and then Egypt. My mom’s from Belgium and my dad moved to Europe when he was in his late teens,” he shared.

The couple eventually divorced, but both stayed actively involved in El Moussa’s life. His mother appeared in early 2025 on his HGTV series The Flip Off, and is often seen on social media with Tarek and his wife, Heather.

His father, who is less frequently in the public eye, was celebrated by Tarek El Moussa in a 2017 Facebook post marking his 70th birthday.

“Happy 70th old man!!! The relationship between a father and his children is so important. I was lucky enough to have a supportive and motivating father that made me believe I could accomplish anything in the world. I can say that I wouldn’t be where I am today without the support of my dad. I will take all the lessons I’ve learned from him and pass it on to my children. So dad Happy Birthday and I love you!” wrote El Moussa.

In 2022, Tarek El Moussa marked Father’s Day with a heartfelt Instagram tribute to his father. The reality star posted a photo alongside his dad and sister, Angelique, reflecting on the deep impact his father had on his life and career.

“I never realized how important a good dad was until later in my life,” El Moussa wrote in the caption.

The caption continued,

“Looking back, I realize I’ve found so much of my success through the lessons my dad taught me growing up. We were always together training for baseball. If it wasn’t for him, I’m not sure where I’d be today. He always taught me the importance of working hard and building one’s confidence. He would never let me quit, he would always teach me to work harder. Now, that I’m a dad, it’s my turn to teach these valuable lessons to my kiddos. I hope you all have an amazing Father’s Day and happy Father’s Day to my dad!”

The post offered a rare glimpse into Tarek El Moussa's family life, highlighting the generational influence of fatherhood.