Actresses Who Faced Domestic Violence Charges

The entertainment industry often sees high-profile figures facing legal challenges that become public knowledge through media reports. Domestic violence charges involving actresses frequently result in significant press coverage and impact their professional careers. These cases range from misdemeanor battery arrests to more complex legal disputes involving domestic partners or family members. Understanding the history of these incidents provides insight into the personal struggles and legal hurdles faced by women in the spotlight.

Amber Heard

The actress was arrested in 2009 following an incident at the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. Port authorities took her into custody after she allegedly grabbed and struck her then-girlfriend Tasya van Ree on the arm. The prosecutor declined to file charges at the time because both women were residents of California rather than Washington. Heard later gained significant media attention during her high-profile legal battles with her former husband Johnny Depp. This earlier incident was frequently cited during the televised court proceedings between the two film stars.

Amber Portwood

The ‘Teen Mom’ star and actress was arrested in 2010 after footage on the reality series showed her physically assaulting the father of her child. She eventually pleaded guilty to two counts of domestic battery and was sentenced to probation. In 2019 she faced legal trouble again when she was arrested for domestic battery in Indianapolis involving another partner. Authorities alleged that she used a machete to strike a door while her partner was holding their son. She eventually reached a plea deal that resulted in a period of probation and court-ordered classes.

Amy Locane

The actress known for her role in ‘Melrose Place’ was arrested in 1993 following a domestic dispute in which she was accused of battery. While this earlier incident was handled through the legal system, she later faced much more severe charges related to a fatal vehicular accident. Her career in the nineties was marked by several notable film roles including a performance in ‘Cry-Baby’. She has spent several years in and out of the legal system due to various sentencing hearings and appeals. The domestic incident remains a part of her early public record before her life was dominated by subsequent legal tragedies.

Béatrice Dalle

The French actress gained international fame for her role in ‘Betty Blue’ but has also faced multiple run-ins with the law. In 2005 she was involved in a domestic situation where she was accused of assault while visiting her husband in prison. She has been known for her rebellious public persona and has openly discussed her struggles with authority throughout her career. Despite her legal issues she continues to be a prominent figure in European cinema and theater. Her filmography includes works like ‘Trouble Every Day’ and ‘Inside’.

Brigitte Nielsen

The Danish actress and model was arrested in 2005 following a domestic dispute with her husband Mattia Dessì. Police were called to their home after reports of a physical altercation between the couple. Nielsen was taken into custody on suspicion of domestic battery but the charges were eventually dropped. She is well known for her roles in ‘Red Sonja’ and ‘Rocky IV’ as well as her high-profile marriage to Sylvester Stallone. Her personal life and various marriages have been frequent subjects of tabloid coverage and reality television.

Carmen Electra

The ‘Baywatch’ actress was arrested in 1999 alongside her then-husband Dennis Rodman. Police responded to a hotel in Miami Beach where they found both parties with minor injuries following a physical fight. Both individuals were charged with battery and were ordered to stay away from each other as a condition of their release. The couple had a famously volatile relationship that lasted only a short time before they finalized their divorce. Electra went on to have a successful career in film and television including roles in the ‘Scary Movie’ franchise.

Emma Roberts

The ‘American Horror Story’ actress was taken into custody in 2013 following an incident in Montreal. Police were called to a hotel room where they found Evan Peters with a bloody nose and a bite mark. Roberts was released shortly after because Peters declined to press charges against her. The couple released a joint statement calling the event an unfortunate misunderstanding. They continued their relationship for several years before eventually parting ways and moving on to other projects.

Erika Eleniak

The former ‘Baywatch’ star was arrested in 1999 for domestic battery following an incident in California. The arrest occurred after a dispute with her boyfriend at the time led to a physical confrontation. Eleniak was a major television icon in the late eighties and early nineties thanks to her role as Shauni McClain. She also appeared in the film ‘Under Siege’ where she played a prominent character alongside Steven Seagal. Her legal issues at the time were a departure from the wholesome image she projected on television.

Hannah Spearritt

The former member of S Club 7 and actress was arrested in 2013 after a domestic dispute with her partner. Police were called to their residence where they investigated claims of assault during a heated argument. The charges were ultimately dropped and no further legal action was taken against her. Spearritt transitioned from a successful pop career into acting with roles in ‘Primeval’ and ‘Casualty’. She has since remained active in the British entertainment industry while raising a family.

Heather Locklear

The ‘Dynasty’ actress has faced multiple arrests involving domestic violence and battery against first responders. In 2018 she was taken into custody after a domestic dispute with her boyfriend where she allegedly became combative with arriving officers. She faced several counts of battery on a police officer and one count of resisting an officer. Locklear has sought treatment for mental health and substance abuse issues following these public incidents. Her career was defined by her iconic roles in ‘Melrose Place’ and ‘T.J. Hooker’.

Jasmine Waltz

The actress and reality television personality was arrested in 2011 for battery following an incident at a nightclub. While the initial charge was related to a physical fight with another woman it was categorized as a battery offense in the public record. Waltz has appeared in films like ‘Pledge This!’ and several reality programs in the United Kingdom. She gained notoriety for her high-profile relationships and frequent appearances in tabloid magazines. Her legal issues have occasionally overshadowed her professional work in the film and television industry.

Jenelle Evans

The actress and television personality was arrested multiple times for domestic-related incidents over the past decade. In 2015 she was charged with assault and battery after allegedly throwing a glass at her ex-fiancé’s new girlfriend. She has faced various other charges including domestic violence involving multiple partners throughout her time in the public eye. Evans appeared on ‘Teen Mom 2’ for many seasons before the network eventually cut ties with her. Her life has been frequently documented through social media and tabloid news outlets.

Kim Richards

The ‘Escape to Witch Mountain’ actress was arrested in 2015 after an incident at the Beverly Hills Hotel. She was charged with public intoxication, resisting arrest, and battery on a police officer during the confrontation. While the incident was not a traditional domestic case it involved a battery charge that stemmed from a personal crisis. Richards has been a public figure since childhood and later starred in ‘The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills’. She has been open about her struggles with sobriety and her efforts to maintain a stable life for her children.

Linda Hogan

The television personality and actress was arrested in 2012 for domestic violence involving her boyfriend in California. She was taken into custody after a dispute escalated and resulted in a physical altercation. Hogan was best known for her marriage to professional wrestler Hulk Hogan and their reality series ‘Hogan Knows Best’. Following her divorce she appeared in various media programs and wrote a book about her life. The legal incident was a significant moment in her post-divorce public narrative.

Lisa Robin Kelly

The actress who played Laurie Forman on ‘That ’70s Show’ was arrested in 2012 for corporal injury on a spouse. She was taken into custody following a domestic dispute that left her husband with visible injuries. This was one of several legal issues she faced during her final years including multiple DUI arrests. Kelly struggled with addiction and personal turmoil which ultimately led to her early departure from her most famous television role. She tragically passed away in 2013 while seeking treatment at a recovery center.

Luann de Lesseps

The ‘Class According to Countess’ author and actress was arrested in 2017 in Palm Beach, Florida. She faced charges of battery on an officer, resisting arrest with violence, and corruption by threat against a public servant. The incident occurred shortly after her divorce and involved a confrontation in a hotel room. She eventually entered a plea deal that required her to attend alcoholics anonymous meetings and perform community service. Her legal journey was heavily featured on ‘The Real Housewives of New York City’.

Mackenzie Phillips

The ‘One Day at a Time’ actress was arrested in 1977 alongside her husband for drug possession and disorderly conduct during a domestic-related incident. She has been very candid about her history of family trauma and substance abuse in her autobiography ‘High on Arrival’. Her career saw great success at a young age before personal issues led to several professional setbacks. Phillips eventually became a drug counselor to help others struggling with similar challenges. She remains an advocate for recovery and continues to act in various television projects.

Maia Campbell

The actress from the sitcom ‘In the House’ has faced numerous arrests involving battery and disorderly conduct over the years. Many of these incidents were linked to her public struggles with mental health and substance abuse. She was arrested in 2015 at a restaurant for disorderly conduct and again in 2017 in a separate incident. Her fans have often expressed concern for her well-being as her legal issues were captured in viral videos. Despite these hardships she remains a beloved figure for her work in nineties television.

Mary J. Blige

The Academy Award-nominated actress and singer was involved in a domestic incident at a record release party for her husband Kendu Isaacs. Witnesses reported that she struck her husband in the face during a heated argument in front of guests. While no formal charges were pursued by law enforcement the incident was widely reported in the media as a domestic altercation. Blige later filed for divorce and has spoken about the emotional toll of her marriage in her music and interviews. Her acting career has reached new heights with critically acclaimed roles in ‘Mudbound’ and ‘Power Book II: Ghost’.

Michelle Rodriguez

The ‘Fast and Furious’ star was arrested in 2003 on charges of assault following a fight with her roommate. She was also involved in several other legal incidents including a hit-and-run and driving with a suspended license. Rodriguez spent time in jail and performed community service as part of her sentencing requirements. She has maintained a highly successful career as an action star in major film franchises despite her early legal troubles. Her performances in ‘Lost’ and ‘Avatar’ have solidified her status as a prominent figure in Hollywood.

Naya Rivera

The ‘Glee’ star was arrested in 2017 for misdemeanor domestic battery in Kanawha County, West Virginia. Authorities responded to a call regarding a domestic situation involving her then-husband Ryan Dorsey. Dorsey provided law enforcement with a video that allegedly showed the actress striking him in the head and bottom lip. The charges were later dismissed at the request of Dorsey who did not wish to prosecute. Rivera tragically passed away in 2020 following a drowning accident while boating with her son.

Porsha Williams

The ‘The Real Housewives of Atlanta’ actress was arrested for battery in 2014 following an altercation during a reunion special. The incident involved a physical confrontation with her co-star Kenya Moore that was captured on camera. She was booked at the Fulton County jail and released shortly after processing. Williams has since appeared in ‘The New Celebrity Apprentice’ and various other television programs. She has used her platform to discuss personal growth and has become a successful entrepreneur and author.

Robin Givens

The actress known for ‘Head of the Class’ was charged with assault in 2004 following an incident in Miami. The charges stemmed from a physical altercation that occurred during a public event. Givens had previously been in the spotlight for her volatile marriage to boxer Mike Tyson where accusations of violence were mutual. She has continued to work steadily in the industry with recent roles in ‘Riverdale’ and ‘Batwoman’. Her career spans several decades and includes significant work in both film and television.

Sean Young

The ‘Blade Runner’ actress was arrested for battery in 2012 following an incident at an Academy Awards after-party. She was taken into custody after a physical altercation with a security guard who was asking her to leave the event. Young has had several public disputes with directors and co-stars throughout her career which have sometimes overshadowed her acting work. She eventually reached a settlement regarding the battery charge and continued to appear in independent films. Her role as Rachael remains one of the most iconic performances in science fiction cinema.

Shannen Doherty

The ‘Charmed’ actress was charged with battery in 1993 following an altercation with a man outside a nightclub. This was one of several high-profile incidents during her early career that contributed to her reputation as a Hollywood rebel. She eventually performed community service and was ordered to manage her anger as part of her legal resolution. Doherty went on to have a prolific career in television including a starring role in ‘Beverly Hills, 90210’. She has been widely praised in recent years for her public and courageous battle with cancer.

Shelley Winters

The two-time Academy Award winner was arrested in 1951 for assault after a domestic-related dispute at a nightclub. She allegedly slapped a woman during an argument over a romantic interest which led to her being taken into custody. Winters was a legendary figure in Hollywood known for her roles in ‘A Place in the Sun’ and ‘The Poseidon Adventure’. She was also an active participant in political causes and wrote several bestselling memoirs. Her long career was marked by both professional excellence and a fiery personal temperament.

Stacey Dash

The ‘Clueless’ actress was arrested for domestic battery in September 2019 in Pasco County, Florida. Police were called to her home following a report that she had pushed and slapped her husband during a verbal argument. Dash was taken into custody and held on bail before the charges were eventually dropped by the state attorney. She has transitioned from acting into political commentary and has been a frequent guest on various news programs. Her performance as Dionne Davenport remains a cult favorite among fans of nineties cinema.

Stephanie Davis

The British actress known for her role in ‘Hollyoaks’ was arrested in 2017 for grievous bodily harm following a domestic incident. The arrest occurred at a London hotel after a physical altercation with her then-partner Jeremy McConnell. Davis was released under investigation and the charges were eventually not pursued by the authorities. She has been very open about her struggles with alcohol and her journey toward sobriety. She eventually returned to the show that made her famous and has become an advocate for mental health.

Whitney Houston

The legendary singer and ‘The Bodyguard’ actress was charged with misdemeanor battery in 2003. The incident occurred at her home in Georgia where she was accused of hitting her husband Bobby Brown during a domestic dispute. Police noted that Brown had a visible injury on his lip and a bruise on his cheek. The couple had a famously tumultuous relationship that was often the subject of intense media scrutiny. Houston remained one of the best-selling music artists of all time until her passing in 2012.

Yancy Butler

The ‘Witchblade’ actress was arrested in 2007 for disorderly intoxication and domestic violence related issues. Police were called to her home after she was found in an intoxicated state following a dispute with a family member. Butler has faced several other legal challenges involving substance abuse and public intoxication over the years. She has appeared in films like ‘Hard Target’ and the ‘Kick-Ass’ series as Mother Russia. Her career has continued with roles in television movies and independent film projects.

Zsa Zsa Gabor

The Hungarian-American actress was famously arrested in 1989 for slapping a Beverly Hills police officer during a traffic stop. While the incident was not domestic in nature it involved a high-profile battery charge that led to a jail sentence. Gabor was also known for her nine marriages and her frequent involvement in legal disputes with former partners. She was a pioneer of the famous-for-being-famous celebrity culture and appeared in films like ‘Moulin Rouge’. Her lavish lifestyle and colorful personality made her a permanent fixture in the tabloids for decades.

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