Michael Madsen Responds to Domestic Violence Arrest

Michael Madsen is speaking out after his arrest on charges of domestic battery.

The actor, 66, a fixture of Quentin Tarantino’s films, was booked in Malibu in the early hours of Aug. 18 after police responded to a “family disturbance” report involving his wife, DeAnna Madsen, 64.

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The two separated following the devastating 2022 suicide of the couple’s 26-year-old son, Hudson, a U.S. Army sergeant who served in Afghanistan. Tarantino was Hudson’s godfather.

The two have another son, Luke, 18, who continues to live at his father’s house amid his parents’ separation.

According to Perry Wander, Madsen’s longtime attorney, DeAnna “broke into” Madsen’s Malibu home. “He confronted her and asked her to leave,” he says, noting it “has been an ongoing problem.”

“Michael has shown immense compassion and restraint during this period towards his estranged wife,” Madsen’s attorney continues. “He’s definitely not guilty of domestic violence.”

Madsen was released on $20,000 bail. A statement from Malibu/Lost Hills Station says the investigation is “ongoing” and will be “forwarded to the Van Nuys Superior Court House for filing.”

Madsen was previously arrested for trespassing one month after his son’s death, for which he was given a $500 misdemeanor citation. He served a four-day jail stint and received five years probation in 2019 for a drunk driving crash in which no one was injured.

Reached by The Hollywood Reporter, DeAnna Madsen responds, “Michael is struggling with his own personal issues. Myself and our children have been supporting him to the best of our ability. We would request privacy at this time.”

Aug. 22, 8:00 am: Updated to include a statement from DeAnna Madsen.

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