Michael Madsen Comments on Domestic Violence Arrest

Representatives for Michael Madsen have addressed the actor’s recent arrest on domestic battery charges. The 66-year-old, known for his role in Reservoir Dogs, was arrested following a reported altercation with his estranged wife, DeAnna Madsen, 64, on the morning of August 17.

It is reported that officers from the Lost Hill Sheriff’s Station in Malibu responded to a call shortly after midnight and subsequently took Madsen into custody for a misdemeanor domestic battery charge. The actor was booked at 1:40am and later released after posting a $20,000 bond.

Madsen’s lawyer, Perry Wander, claimed that DeAnna initiated the altercation by “breaking into” Madsen’s Malibu home, which resulted in the “family disturbance” that led to his arrest. According to Wander, “Michael has shown immense compassion and restraint during this period towards his estranged wife. He’s definitely not guilty of domestic violence.”

In an additional statement to Variety, another representative for Madsen described the incident as a “disagreement” between the couple and expressed hope for a positive resolution for both parties.

The actor’s representatives have been contacted for further comment by The Independent.

This is not the first time Madsen has encountered legal issues. He was arrested for trespassing in Malibu a month after the tragic suicide of their 26-year-old son, Hudson, in 2022. For that incident, he received a $500 citation for a misdemeanor. Prior to this, Madsen was sentenced to five years probation for a drink-driving crash in 2019.

The actor and his wife expressed profound grief following their son’s death, stating, “We are heartbroken and overwhelmed with grief and pain at the loss of Hudson. His memory and light will be remembered by all who knew and loved him.”

Michael Madsen is widely recognized for his work with Quentin Tarantino, who is also Hudson’s godfather. His notable performances in Tarantino’s films include roles in Reservoir Dogs, both volumes of Kill Bill, and The Hateful Eight. Madsen also made a cameo in Tarantino’s Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood.

In a 2020 interview with The Independent, Madsen reflected on his career and his iconic role as Mr. Blonde in Reservoir Dogs. He recalled feeling particularly emotional when learning his character would be killed by Tim Roth’s character. “I was very affected by old films,” he said. “I was a huge fan of Humphrey Bogart, Robert Mitchum, Lee Marvin… I knew all those guys were very careful in their roles, and who they acted with or who they got killed by onscreen.”

“That’s how you became leading men,” he added, reminiscing about the influence of classic film stars on his career choices and the careful consideration they placed on their roles.