Little Big Lies star Reese Witherspoon has been summoned by a Los Angeles court to testify in her ex-husband, Ryan Philippe’s assault case.

The civil trial involves Phillippe’s ex-girlfriend, Elsie Hewitt. Hewitt is suing the actor for USD1 million in damages after he allegedly laid his hands on her during an altercation. Back in 2017, she reported the alleged incident to the Los Angeles Police Department claiming Philippe punched and kicked her. In addition, Hewitt claims Phillippe carried her “like a doll” and “threw [her] down a flight of stairs” in a separate Fourth of July incident.

Phillippe, star of the cult classic Cruel Intentions, has fiercely denied the assault allegations raised against him. The civil trial is scheduled on October 15 and Witherspoon is expected to testify in the case.

Witherspoon and Phillippe tied the knot in 1999 but called it quits by 2007. The former couple share two kids — Ava (20 years old) and Deacon Phillippe (15 years old). Witherspoon has gone on to marry talent manager Jim Toth and now has a son with him — Tennessee (6 years old).

Entertainment Tonight reports that Phillippe is arguing that he acted out of self-defense in the Fourth of July incident. He and Hewitt went to a party against his liking and the actor ended up leaving Hewitt at the party to accompany another woman.

“Phillippe was shocked at Hewitt’s see-through outfit, and became concerned that his children might see him with the scantily-clad young woman at Nobu — a location frequented by paparazzi,” ET cites court documents Phillippe reportedly filed.