Actresses Accused of Assault

Allegations involving public figures can be confusing to track, so this list gathers cases where actresses were publicly accused of assault — focusing on the basic who-what-when-where, along with how the cases concluded when that’s on record. Each entry summarizes the key facts such as arrests, charges, court outcomes, and official statements, so readers can see what was actually alleged and what authorities or courts ultimately did.

Asia Argento

In August 2018, reports surfaced that Asia Argento had privately settled a notice of intent to sue from actor Jimmy Bennett over an alleged 2013 sexual assault, with documents indicating a $380,000 payment. Bennett was 17 at the time of the alleged encounter in California, where the age of consent is 18. Argento denied assaulting Bennett and later said the settlement payment was arranged by Anthony Bourdain to avoid litigation. No criminal charges were filed, and the matter remained a civil claim that was settled out of court.

Amber Heard

In 2009, Amber Heard was arrested at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport after an alleged altercation with then-partner Tasya van Ree; prosecutors declined to file charges the next day. Years later, van Ree publicly stated Heard had been “wrongfully accused” and that the incident was misinterpreted. The 2009 arrest was revisited during later litigation, but it never resulted in a prosecution. Records related to the arrest were subsequently reported as expunged.

Emma Roberts

On July 7, 2013, Emma Roberts was arrested in Montreal following a reported domestic incident involving actor Evan Peters; she was released after questioning when Peters declined to press charges. Both later called it “an unfortunate incident and misunderstanding” in a joint statement. Authorities did not pursue the case further after her release. The incident occurred while both were appearing in ‘American Horror Story’.

Naya Rivera

Naya Rivera was arrested on suspicion of domestic battery in Kanawha County, West Virginia, in November 2017 after an incident involving her then-husband, Ryan Dorsey. Prosecutors dismissed the charge in January 2018 when Dorsey did not wish to proceed. Court records and local outlets recorded the dismissal date. Rivera was known for her role on ‘Glee’.

Heather Locklear

Heather Locklear was arrested in February and again in June 2018 in Ventura County, California, following domestic disturbance calls, and faced multiple counts of battery on peace officers and emergency personnel. In August 2019, she pleaded no contest to eight misdemeanor counts, receiving a suspended jail sentence conditioned on residential treatment and probation. Local and regional outlets detailed the counts and sentencing terms. Earlier domestic violence allegations from February 2018 were not pursued after subsequent review.

Lindsay Lohan

On November 29, 2012, Lindsay Lohan was arrested in New York City and charged with third-degree assault after allegedly striking a woman during an argument at a Manhattan nightclub. Police issued her a desk appearance ticket for a later court date. Multiple outlets recorded the arrest time and location at Club Avenue in Chelsea. The incident came amid other legal matters that were handled separately.

Taryn Manning

In October 2012, Taryn Manning was arrested in New York after an altercation with her personal assistant and makeup artist, with misdemeanor assault and strangulation charges initially reported. The assistant declined to prosecute, and the matter was resolved without a sustained criminal case. In 2016, a separate civil restraining-order dispute resurfaced past allegations, but a judge dismissed that case and Manning’s counsel said earlier criminal counts had been dropped. Manning is widely known for ‘Orange Is the New Black’.

Stacey Dash

Stacey Dash was arrested in Pasco County, Florida, on September 29, 2019, on a misdemeanor domestic battery allegation stemming from a dispute at her home. She pleaded not guilty; within days, prosecutors declined to file charges and the case was formally dropped. Local and national outlets cited court records noting the dismissal. Dash is best known for the film ‘Clueless’.

Sean Young

On February 26, 2012, Sean Young was arrested on suspicion of misdemeanor battery after an altercation with a security guard at the Academy’s Governors Ball in Los Angeles. She was booked and released on bail that night. The Los Angeles City Attorney later declined to file charges in the matter. Young is known for roles in ‘Blade Runner’ and ‘Ace Ventura: Pet Detective’.

Carmen Electra

In November 1999, police in Miami Beach arrested Carmen Electra and then-husband Dennis Rodman on misdemeanor battery charges following a disturbance at a hotel. Contemporary reports said both were taken to Miami-Dade County Jail and booked. Follow-up coverage noted court-ordered no-contact provisions as the case proceeded. Electra has appeared in projects including ‘Scary Movie’ and ‘Baywatch’.

Share any other cases you think belong here — and tell us which outcomes you think readers should know more about in the comments.