Actresses Accused of Domestic Violence

Here’s a straightforward look at publicly reported cases where actresses were accused of domestic violence, focusing on concrete details like dates, locations, charges and case outcomes to keep the record clear.

Emma Roberts

In July 2013, Montreal police detained Emma Roberts after a hotel disturbance involving then-boyfriend Evan Peters; officers noted Peters had a bloody nose and a bite mark. Roberts was questioned and released the same day when Peters declined to press charges. Representatives for both called it “an unfortunate incident and misunderstanding.” No charges were filed following the Montreal incident.

Naya Rivera

On November 25, 2017, Naya Rivera was arrested in Kanawha County, West Virginia, on a misdemeanor domestic battery allegation involving then-husband Ryan Dorsey. Prosecutors later dismissed the case in January 2018 after Dorsey said he did not wish to pursue prosecution. The dismissal ended the criminal matter with no conviction or continuing charges. Rivera and Dorsey finalized their divorce in 2018.

Amber Heard

Records show Amber Heard was arrested at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport in 2009 on a misdemeanor domestic-violence-related allegation involving her then-partner, Tasya van Ree; she appeared in court the next day and no charges were filed. Van Ree later stated Heard had been “wrongfully accused” and that the incident was misinterpreted, while the arresting officer publicly disputed that characterization. The 2009 matter did not result in prosecution. The prior incident resurfaced publicly in 2016 during unrelated legal proceedings.

Heather Locklear

Heather Locklear was arrested in Thousand Oaks, California, on February 26, 2018, on suspicion of felony domestic violence and three misdemeanor counts of battery on emergency personnel. Authorities later dropped the domestic-violence count, and in 2019 she pleaded no contest to multiple misdemeanor counts related to assaults on first responders and entered court-ordered treatment. The original domestic-violence allegation did not proceed to a conviction. The subsequent misdemeanor plea resolved the remaining charges.

Stacey Dash

Stacey Dash was arrested in Pasco County, Florida, on September 29, 2019, on a misdemeanor domestic battery allegation after an argument with her husband. She pleaded not guilty, and within days prosecutors declined to file charges after reviewing evidence and statements, formally dropping the case on October 4, 2019. No further legal action followed.

Carmen Electra

Carmen Electra and then-husband Dennis Rodman were both arrested in Miami Beach in November 1999 after a hotel dispute, each booked on misdemeanor battery. Prosecutors later dropped the charges against both parties, and the case did not result in convictions. Contemporary reporting noted minor injuries and a temporary restraining order immediately after the arrests.

If we missed an entry you think belongs here, drop your additions in the comments so everyone can compare notes.