Hollywood actor Michael Madsen has filed for divorce from his wife of 28 years, DeAnna Madsen, in a case that has taken a startling turn with allegations involving their late son.
According to New York Post, the "Kill Bill" star submitted divorce papers on September 17 in a Los Angeles court, citing irreconcilable differences.
In the court documents, Madsen claims that he and DeAnna separated shortly after the death of their 26-year-old son, Hudson, who died by suicide on January 25, 2022. The actor goes further to allege that his wife's "neglect, drinking, and alcoholism" contributed to their son's decision to take his own life.
The divorce filing marks the end of a union that began on April 15, 1996. Madsen, now 66, has cited irreconcilable differences and taken the unusual step of elaborating on these differences in his attached statement. He asserts that the standard legal terminology does not adequately describe the reasons for the divorce.
In addition to the divorce petition, Madsen has requested a domestic violence restraining order against DeAnna. This request comes in the wake of his own arrest last month on charges of domestic violence, which he denies in the court documents. The actor claims to be a victim in what he describes as an "abusive, co-dependent, and toxic relationship."
Madsen's lawyer, Perry Wander, provided a statement to the New York Post, saying, "Michael is looking forward to spending quality time with his children and pursuing acting and writing poetry." This statement suggests that Madsen is seeking a fresh start following these tumultuous events.
The divorce filing comes on the heels of Madsen's recent legal troubles. On August 17, 2024, he was arrested at his Malibu home under California Penal Code section 243(e)(1), which pertains to battery of a spouse. The incident reportedly involved DeAnna alleging that Madsen had pushed her and locked her out of their residence.
Lieutenant Adam Zeko of the Malibu/Lost Hills sheriff's department provided details of the arrest to Fox News Digital, stating:
Based on the initial investigation, deputies determined Michael Madsen was involved in a domestic incident involving his wife. Mr. Madsen was arrested for misdemeanor Spousal Battery.
Madsen was released on $20,000 bail two days later, with his representative stating that the incident was a "disagreement" between the actor and his wife.
This recent arrest is not Madsen's first brush with the law. In February 2022, just a month after his son Hudson's death, he was arrested on a charge of misdemeanor trespassing. The proximity of these events to the loss of his son underscores the challenging period the family has been navigating.
Michael and DeAnna Madsen's relationship produced three sons: Hudson, who passed away in 2022, and Luke and Calvin. The couple's long-standing marriage had been a notable aspect of Madsen's personal life, especially given his previous two marriages.
Throughout their relationship, the Madsens had been seen together at various Hollywood events, including film screenings and award ceremonies. Photos from these events show a couple that appeared united in public, making the current allegations and divorce proceedings all the more shocking to observers.
The divorce of Michael and DeAnna Madsen after 28 years of marriage has brought to light serious allegations and family tragedy. Michael Madsen has accused his estranged wife of contributing to their son's suicide through neglect and alcoholism. The actor has also requested a restraining order against DeAnna while denying recent domestic violence charges against himself. This high-profile split highlights the complex and often painful nature of long-term relationships in the public eye.
