DeAnna Madsen and Michael Madsen. INSTAR Images
Actor Michael Madsen filed for divorce and claimed he was a victim of wife DeAnna Madsen‘s abuse for years.
Michael, 66, cited irreconcilable differences after filing the divorce petition on Wednesday, September 18, in accordance with TMZ. The legal paperwork revealed that Michael and DeAnna, 64, legally separated in January 2022 because he thought “her neglect, drinking and alcoholism” caused their son Hudson’s death by suicide.
The actor, who has been married to DeAnna since 1996, accused his estranged wife of putting him in an “abusive, co-dependent, and toxic relationship” while searching for a domestic violence restraining order. He blamed DeAnna’s alleged behavior for causing his arrest for domestic violence last month.
Michael was arrested in August on a charge of misdemeanor domestic battery. He was booked under California Penal Code section 243(e)(1), which meant using force or violence against a cohabitant. DeAnna reportedly refused to receive medical attention after cops arrived on the scene, and Michael was later released after posting the $20,000 bond.
“It was a disagreement between Michael and his wife, which we hope resolves positively for them each,” a rep said in an announcement on the time. “We’re thrilled that Michael Madsen is in a position to put this behind him and sit up for our continued collaboration with more great things coming from this veteran and revered actor.”
The L.A. County District Attorney told TMZ they wouldn’t file charges resulting from insufficient evidence.
DeAnna Madsen and Michael Madsen attend the Hand and Footprint Ceremony for Michael Madsen on November 16, 2020 in Hollywood. Wealthy Fury/Getty Images
DeAnna has not yet responded to Michael’s accusations. She previously said Michael was “struggling.”
“Michael is battling his own personal issues,” she told The Hollywood Reporter on the time. “Myself and our youngsters have been supporting him to one of the best of our ability. We might request privacy right now.”
Michael’s attorney Perry Wander responded by accusing DeAnna of breaking into Michael’s Malibu home, which is why he “confronted” and “asked her to go away.” Wander said the situation “has been an ongoing problem” for them.
“Michael has shown immense compassion and restraint during this era towards his estranged wife,” he continued. “He’s definitely not guilty of domestic violence.”
The previous couple share sons Calvin, 27, Luke, 18, and the late Hudson, who died by suicide at age 26 in January 2022. Michael also shares sons Christian, 34, and Max, 30, with ex-wife Jeannine Bisignano.
After their son Hudson’s death, Michael was arrested for trespassing in Malibu, in accordance with TMZ. He was also sentenced to 4 days in jail and five years of probation after being involved in a automotive crash in 2019. Michael was also arrested in 2012 for driving under the influence and sentenced to 30 days of rehabilitation.
Us Weekly has reached out for comment.
