Debbie Matenopoulos is denying her estranged husband's claims that she "pays for nothing" while living in their multimillion-dollar Los Angeles home. Jay Faires, a music executive, is seeking spousal support from the E! host to help pay the mortgage.
"I am incredibly offended by these gross accusations and false claims that have no merit," Matenopoulos tells PEOPLE in an exclusive statement. "I am very proud to say, not only do I currently pay my own expenses, I also did so for the entire duration of our marriage."
Faires, 45, who filed for divorce from Matenopoulos on Nov. 12 after five years of marriage, also claimed in the Jan. 14 court papers that the former couple have "continuously lived beyond our means during our marriage."
Matenopoulos added: "As far as living above our means goes, as my husband has stated, if Jay is anything at all he is a shrewd businessman and has started three companies from the ground up. He knows a thing or two about balancing a budget and would never be so irresponsible."
As for their increasingly hostile split, Matenopoulos claims her ex's actions "are an obvious attempt to hurt me. The fact that I am even having to discuss this stuff publicly is ludicrous."
The former couple face a hearing on Feb. 23.
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