Michael Madsen has been arrested in Malibu on charges of domestic battery after a “disagreement” with his wife.
The Malibu/Lost Hill Sheriff’s Station responded to a call just after midnight on Saturday (August 17), with the actor, 66, being arrested on a charge relating to the use of “force or violence” against a cohabitant.
The BBC report that authorities were informed of the “family disturbance”, with the local department claiming a woman alleged “her husband pushed her and locked her out of their residence”.
Madsen is married to the actress DeAnna Madsen, and his representative told Variety, “It was a disagreement between Michael and his wife, which we hope resolves positively for them both.”
Madsen was released after posting a $20,000 (£15,400) bond.
Madsen is best known for his regular appearances in Quentin Tarantino’s films, perhaps most notably as Mr. Blonde in 1992’s Reservoir Dogs, in which he memorably dances to Stealers Wheel’s ‘Stuck In The Middle With You’ while mutilating the ear of a captured police officer.
Madsen later revealed that he nearly turned down that role because he didn’t want to get shot by co-star Tim Roth. “I was like, ‘Hey man, who is Tim Roth?’”, he said. “I would let Harvey Keitel kill me, but I’m not getting killed by Tim Roth.”
The actor is also known for his roles in Kill Bill: Volume 2, The Hateful Eight, Thelma & Louise, Free Willy, Donnie Brasco and Sin City.
In February 2022, Madsen was arrested at his Malibu rental home for trespassing, after police were called to the residence by the property owner who had detained the actor in a citizen’s arrest.
That came one month after the passing of Madsen’s 26-year-old son Hudson, who died in a suspected suicide on the island of Oahu, Hawaii.
Speaking about his son’s death to the LA Times, Madsen said: “I am in shock as my son, whom I just spoke with a few days ago, said he was happy – my last text from him was ‘I love you dad’.
For help, support and advice regarding domestic abuse, visit Refuge here or call the freephone, 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247.