Michael Madsen Accuses Wife of Driving Son to Kill Himself in Divorce

Leah Degrazia
·3 min read

Originally appeared on E! Online

Content warning: This story discusses suicide.

Michael Madsen is attempting to close the chapter on his marriage to DeAnna Madsen.

The Kill Bill actor filed for divorce from his wife of 26 years on Sept. 18 citing "irreconcilable differences," according to court documents obtained by E! News Sept. 19.

But Madsen went even further as to explain what he says is the reason behind those differences in a statement attached to the divorce petition, claiming the phrase doesn't "adequately describe" why he is seeking to end the marriage.

In the filing, the 66-year-old alleged that the pair's official date of separation was in January 2022, shortly after their son Hudson died by suicide at age 26 following his return from his first tour in the U.S. Army.

"I have been separated from Respondent since my son's death by suicide on 1/25/22," Michael wrote in his attached statement. "I believe Respondent drove him to this by her neglect, drinking and alcoholism."

And that wasn't the only reason the Reservoir Dogs star—who also shares sons Calvin, 27, and Luke, 18, with DeAnna, as well as sons Christian, 34, and Max, 30, with ex Jeannine Bisignano—provided for the breakup, as he said that DeAnna "significantly contributed to my personal issues as well."

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In particular, Madsen—who requested a domestic violence restraining order against DeAnna in his petition—cited his arrest on Aug. 17, when he was taken into custody under California Penal Code section 243(e)(1), which is battery of a spouse, according to booking documents viewed by E! News at the time. He posted $20,000 bond and was released later that morning. The case has since been dismissed due to “insufficient evidence,” The Los Angeles County District Attorney told TMZ.

"I am a victim in an abusive, co-dependent, and toxic relationship that culminated in the Respondent breaking into my residence and having me wrongfully arrested for DV," Michael alleged in his filing. "Once the cell bars close on you, it's the final curtain on any marriage or relationship, and mine was no exception."

E! News reached out to reps for Michael and DeAnna for comment on the filing but has not heard back.

Michael Madsen, DeAnna Madsen
Photo by Francois G. Durand/Getty Images

This isn't the first time Michael's feelings on his arrest have surfaced. One week after the incident, his attorney Perry Wander shared a statement denying the domestic violence allegation. As his lawyer stated to The Hollywood Reporter Aug. 21, “Michael has shown immense compassion and restraint during this period towards his estranged wife. He’s definitely not guilty of domestic violence.”

As for DeAnna, the 62-year-old responded in her own statement to the outlet shortly after, alleging that Michael has been "struggling with his own personal issues."

"Myself and our children have been supporting him to the best of our ability," her statement read. "We would request privacy at this time."

If you or someone you know needs help, call 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. You can also call the network, previously known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, at 800-273-8255, text HOME to 741741 or visit SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources for additional resources.

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