The partner of fallen Sharks star Greg Bird has finally broken her silence on incident, but has made it clear her focus is on recovering from the injuries she's suffered, and has no immediate plans to clarify what happened on the night when she was allegedly glassed by the NRL star.
Katie Milligan released a statement this afternoon pleading for privacy in the wake of last Sunday's scandal that has engulfed the American law student and her NRL beau.
It's believed Milligan has been released from hospital, and that she has retained sight in her injured eye, despite initial fears severe facial lacerations could result in blindness or the eye having to be removed.
"My client wishes to advise that she is concentrating on her recovery, as this is the paramount consideration at this point in time," her legal representative, Campbell MacCallum, told Fairfax.
"She has expressed some disappointment in the number of inaccuracies contained in much of the media coverage of the incident.
"However, under legal advice, she has not yet released her statement of events."
Bird has been stood down indefinitely by the Sharks after being charged with assault, and his NRL contract worth a reported $350,000 a season is now in extreme jeopardy.
The Test and Origin star is almost certain to have played his last game this season, with the case adjourned until October 8, a week after the NRL Grand Final.
Milligan's father has flown out from New York to be with his daughter.
"She does request that the media and others respect her privacy and that of her family during this difficult period, " MacCallum said.
"She would like to convey her gratitude for the many expressions of support she has received, and most especially to those health care professionals who have provided her care."
