Michael Madsen Files for Divorce
Actor Michael Madsen has filed for divorce from his wife of 27 years, DeAnna Madsen, accusing her of long-term abuse and destructive behaviour. The Kill Bill actor, 66, officially filed the petition on September 18, citing irreconcilable differences. According to the documents obtained by TMZ, Michael claims their relationship became toxic due to DeAnna’s alleged neglect and struggles with alcoholism, which he believes contributed to the tragic death of their son, Hudson, who died by suicide in January 2022.
Allegations of Abuse and Restraining Order
In his filing, Michael alleges that his marriage to DeAnna, 64, was marked by a “co-dependent and toxic” dynamic. He has sought a domestic violence restraining order, accusing DeAnna’s behaviour of leading to his arrest in August on a domestic violence charge. Michael was booked under California Penal Code section 243(e)(1), related to misdemeanour domestic battery. DeAnna reportedly declined medical attention then, and Michael was released after posting a $20,000 bond.
Despite the arrest, the L.A. County District Attorney ultimately decided not to pursue charges against Michael due to a lack of evidence.
DeAnna Response and Family Struggles
DeAnna has not publicly responded to Michael’s divorce filing or allegations. However, she previously spoke to The Hollywood Reporter, stating that Michael had been struggling with personal issues and emphasizing the family’s efforts to support him. “Michael is struggling with his issues. Myself and our children have been supporting him to the best of our ability,” she said.
Michael’s legal team has accused DeAnna of breaking into his Malibu home, further escalating tensions between the two. His lawyer, Perry Wander, described the situation as “an ongoing problem” and defended Michael against the domestic violence accusations, claiming he acted with “immense compassion and restraint.”
The couple’s marriage had faced significant difficulties over the years. They share three sons: Calvin, 27, Luke, 18, and Hudson, who tragically died by suicide at the age of 26. Michael also has two older sons, Christian, 34, and Max, 30, from a previous marriage.
Michael has experienced a series of legal troubles in recent years, including an arrest for trespassing following Hudson’s death and a car crash in 2019, which resulted in a four-day jail sentence and five years of probation. He was also sentenced to 30 days of rehabilitation in 2012 after a DUI arrest.
As both Michael and DeAnna navigate this difficult period, the actor is seeking to distance himself from what he describes as a painful and toxic relationship, hoping to move forward while addressing his struggles, Us Weekly