“Reservoir Dogs” star Michael Madsen has filed for divorce from his wife of 26 years.
The actor, who has appeared in several Quentin Tarantino films, cited irreconcilable differences as the reason for the split. But, he said, there's more.
The filing comes about a month after Madsen was arrested in Malibu following a report of a domestic disturbance. Following Madsen's arrest, the Los Angeles County District Attorney declined to file charges “due to lack of evidence.”
In his petition filed Wednesday in Los Angeles County Superior Court, Madsen said he separated from his ex-wife, DeAnna Madsen, in January 2022, shortly after the death of their son Hudson. The former couple married on April 15, 1996.
“The reason for ‘irreconcilable differences’ in the petition does not adequately describe the filing for divorce,” Madsen, 66, said in a signed statement included with the petition. “I have been separated from Respondent since my son committed suicide on January 25, 2022. I believe Respondent brought him to this by her neglect, her alcohol use, and her addiction to drinking.”
The “Donnie Brasco” and “Thelma & Louise” star added that DeAnna Madsen, with whom he shares two other adult children, “also contributed significantly” to his personal problems.
“I am a victim of an abusive, codependent, and toxic relationship that culminated in the defendant entering my home and wrongfully arresting me for domestic violence. Once the cell bars close on you, it is the final curtain on any marriage or relationship, and mine was no exception,” she wrote.
Madsen’s attorney, Perry C. Wander, who represented Madsen in the domestic violence case, also claimed in a statement to the Times that the couple’s marriage fell apart after their son died and ended when Madsen was “wrongfully arrested” for domestic violence “when he attempted to get his estranged wife to leave their residence after she forced her way inside.” Madsen, whose criminal case was dismissed, has sought a temporary restraining order against DeAnna Madsen.
“Michael is looking forward to spending quality time with his children and pursuing acting and writing poetry… now that he is free from a toxic and abusive marriage,” Wander said.
DeAnna Madsen, who maintained she did not enter the family home, did not immediately respond to The Times' request for comment.
Following the actor's arrest last month, DeAnna Madsen said she and her children “have been supporting him as best as they can.”
