Michael Madsen’s representatives have responded after the Reservoir Dogs and Kill Bill actor was arrested on charges of domestic battery.
The actor was reportedly taken into custody following “a disagreement” with his wife, DeAnna Madsen, on Saturday morning (August 17). The pair had separated following the death of their son, Hudson, in 2022.
The BBC reported 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”.
Now, however, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter, Madsen’s attorney Perry Wander has claimed that DeAnna “broke into” Madsen’s home in Malibu, causing the start of the disturbance that led to The Hateful Eight star’s arrest.
“Michael has shown immense compassion and restraint during this period towards his estranged wife,” Madsen’s attorney continued. “He’s definitely not guilty of domestic violence.”
In a statement to Variety, an additional representative for Madsen said: “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.