Michael Madsen files for divorce and restraining order, claiming wife DeAnna's 'negligence' drove son to suicide


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Michael Madsen has filed for divorce from his wife of 28 years, accusing her of driving their son to suicide “through her neglect, drinking and alcoholism.”

He Reservoir dogs The 66-year-old star has been married to DeAnna Madsen, 64, since April 15, 1996.

As People She reportedly filed divorce papers on Tuesday, September 17, citing “irreconcilable differences.”

Madsen claims in the documents that the couple separated shortly after their 26-year-old son Hudson died by suicide on January 25, 2022.

In a statement attached to the divorce petition and signed by Madsen, she goes on to claim that the “irreconcilable differences” listed “do not adequately describe the divorce petition.”

He accuses his ex-wife of having forced his son to commit suicide “due to her negligence, her drinking and her alcoholism.”

DeAnna and Michael Madsen attend the actor's hand and foot print ceremony at the Chinese Theatre in Hollywood in 2020
DeAnna and Michael Madsen attend the actor's hand and foot print ceremony at the Chinese Theatre in Hollywood in 2020 (Getty Images)

Madsen also claims the couple's relationship became “abusive” and “toxic.”

He writes: “Defendant also contributed significantly to my personal problems. I am a victim of an abusive, codependent, and toxic relationship that culminated in Defendant breaking into my home and wrongfully arresting me for domestic violence.”

Madsen has also requested a domestic violence restraining order against his wife that covers both him and their 18-year-old son, Luke, who is listed in the filing under “other protected persons.”

The Independent has reached out to Madsen's representatives for further comment. A representative for DeAnna was not immediately available.

Last month, Madsen was arrested in Malibu on domestic violence charges.

At the time it was reported that he had been arrested following “a disagreement” with his wife.

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Shortly after midnight on August 17, deputies at the Lost Hill Sheriff's Station in Malibu responded to a call and subsequently arrested Madsen on a misdemeanor charge of domestic battery.

The actor was arrested at 1:40 a.m. and later released after posting $20,000 bail.

In a statement to VarietyA representative for Madsen said: “This was a disagreement between Michael and his wife, which we hope will be resolved positively for both.”

Madsen is best known for his collaborations with Quentin Tarantino, which include Reservoir dogs, both volumes of Kill Bill and The Hateful Eight. He also made a cameo in Once upon a time… in Hollywood.

Talking with The Independent In 2020, Madsen revealed that Harvey Weinstein tried to remove him from the cast of Tarantino's films.

“Harvey never liked me,” she said. “I don’t know if he ever liked anyone, but I know for a fact that he didn’t like me. He never wanted me to be in any of Quentin’s movies. I think I’m only in them because Quentin stood up for me every single time and said he was going to use Michael whether you like it or not.”

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