Michael Madsen files for divorce, restraining order from wife DeAnna after arrest

Following his recent legal troubles, Michael Madsen and his wife of 28 years, DeAnna Madsen, have decided to separate.

Madsen, who was arrested on domestic violence charges last month, filed for divorce Wednesday in Los Angeles County Superior Court, according to court documents obtained by USA TODAY.

The 66-year-old actor cited “irreconcilable differences” as the reason for his split from DeAnna. The former couple have been estranged since the death of their son Hudson in January 2022, when he committed suicide at the age of 26.

In a declaration filed with his divorce petition, Madsen alleges a pattern of violence by his ex-wife and accuses her of contributing to their son’s death. He also claims his arrest in August was due to an intrusion by DeAnna.

“Michael looks forward to spending quality time with his children and devoting himself to acting and writing poetry … now that he is free from a toxic and abusive marriage,” Madsen’s attorney, Perry C. Wander, said in a statement to USA TODAY.

Arrest of Michael Madsen: Actor accused of domestic violence after alleged ‘disagreement’ with wife

USA TODAY was unable to reach a representative for DeAnna at the time of publication.

As part of his divorce filing, Madsen is asking the court to deny DeAnna spousal support and terminate his rights to the actor’s pension. The division of the couple’s joint property will be determined at a later date.

Madsen also filed a restraining order against DeAnna to “ensure her safety and well-being” amid their breakup.

Madsen’s relationship with DeAnna marked his third marriage. He was previously married to Georganne LaPiere and Jeannine Bisignano. Madsen and DeAnna share sons Calvin, Luke, and the late Hudson. He also has children, Christian and Max, with Bisignano.

Michael Madsen says wife’s break-in led to domestic violence arrest

In his restraining order against DeAnna, Madsen alleges multiple instances of physical and verbal abuse by his ex-wife, including an alleged break-in on August 17 that led to his arrest on domestic violence charges.

The filing states that DeAnna entered Madsen’s home and “invaded his personal space by entering his bedroom.” Authorities with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department were reportedly contacted for assistance.

Madsen was arrested after the incident and later booked into the LASD’s Malibu/Lost Hills station, where he was charged with domestic battery, a misdemeanor. He was released on $20,000 bail.

The “Kill Bill” star says the charges were later dropped. USA TODAY has reached out to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office for comment.

“I am the victim of an abusive, codependent, and toxic relationship that culminated in (DeAnna) breaking into my residence and having me wrongfully arrested for (domestic violence),” Madsen said in a declaration included in her divorce filing. “Once the cell bars close on you, that is the final curtain on any marriage or relationship, and mine was no exception.”

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In a statement to The Hollywood Reporter on August 22, DeAnna said, “Michael is dealing with his own personal issues. My children and I have been supporting him as best we can. We ask for privacy at this time.”

Madsen included his 18-year-old son Luke and DeAnna’s son in the restraining order because the actor is “deeply concerned for his own safety and that of his son, particularly in light of the tragic loss of his other son to suicide.”

In his court statement, Madsen claims DeAnna “drove” Hudson to his death through “her neglect, drinking and alcoholism.”

If granted, the restraining order would require DeAnna to not contact Madsen and their son, to stay at least 300 feet away from Madsen’s home, vehicle and workplace, and to complete a 52-week batterers’ intervention program.

A hearing in Madsen’s case is scheduled for October 9.

If you are a victim of domestic violence, The National Domestic Violence Helpline (lahotline.org) allows you to speak confidentially with trained advocates online or by phone (800-799-7233), which they recommend for those who believe their online activity is being monitored by their abuser. They can help survivors develop a plan to keep themselves and their children safe.

This article was originally published on USA TODAY: Michael Madsen files for divorce, protection order after arrest