After 28 years of marriage, Hollywood star Michael Madsen has decided to end his relationship with his estranged wife, DeAnna Madsen. According to court documents obtained by People magazine, Michael, who holds DeAnna responsible for their late son’s death, has cited “irreconcilable differences” as the reason for their split.
Michael Madsen at the 8th Annual Filming Italy Los Angeles Festival in Los Angeles, California on March 1, 2023 | Source: Getty Images
The 66-year-old, who is well known for starring as Budd in iconic director Quentin Tarantino‘s “Kill Bill” movies, disclosed that he and DeAnna had separated shortly after their beloved son, Hudson Madsen, passed away. Reports state that Hudson, unfortunately, died by suicide on January 25, 2022. He was just 26 years old.
Michael and DeAnna Madsen with their late son Hudson Madsen and Max, Luke, Christian, and Kalvin Madsen at the Sugar Factory in Las Vegas, Nevada on July 16, 2011 | Source: Getty Images
Two years after Hudson’s death, Michael filed the divorce documents, which are dated Tuesday, September 17, at a court in Los Angeles. Among the documents is a statement attached to the petition and signed by Michael that accuses DeAnna of driving their son to commit suicide.
Michael and Hudson Madsen. | Source: Getty Images
The exact wording stipulates that DeAnna had a hand in Hudson’s death “by her neglect, drinking and alcoholism.” Michael, who is being represented by his longtime attorney Perry Wander, also made it clear that his citing of irreconcilable differences does not “adequately describe the divorce filing.”
The bereaved father went on to share how Hudson’s death came as a shock because he had not seen any signs of depression in his son who had just completed his first tour in the U.S. Army.
DeAnna and Michael Madsen at the screening of “Kill Bill Vol.2” during the Cannes Film Festival in Cannes, France in 2004. | Source: Getty Images
Adding more fuel to the fire is the fact that Michael has also requested a domestic violence restraining order. This comes amid his denial of DeAnna’s domestic violence charges against him, which she filed last month (August).
DeAnna and Michael Madsen at Michael’s Hand and Footprint Ceremony in Hollywood, California on November 16, 2020 | Source: Getty Images
A portion of Michael’s statement on the matter reads, “Respondent also significantly contributed to my personal issues as well. I am a victim in […] toxic relationship that culminated in the Respondent breaking into my residence and having me wrongfully arrested for DV.”
Michael Madsen spotted during the 71st Annual Cannes Film Festival in Nice, France on May 11, 2018 | Source: Getty Images
Michael had been taken into custody as a result of his wife’s DV accusation on August 17 and his bail was set at $20,000. However, by Monday, August 19, Michael returned home.
Coming to his client’s defense later that week, Perry explained, “Michael has shown immense compassion and restraint during this period towards his estranged wife. He’s definitely not guilty of domestic violence.”
Michael Madsen at the 25th Annual Arpa International Film Festival Awards Gala in Beverly Hills, California on November 20, 2022 | Source: Getty Images
Conversely, DeAnna noted, “Michael is struggling with his own personal issues. Myself and our children have been supporting him to the best of our ability.”
DeAnna and Michael Madsen at the screening of “Reservoir Dogs” during the 2017 Tribeca Film Festival in New York City on April 28, 2017 | Source: Getty Images
The soon-to-be ex-couple’s statements and accusations come two years after Michael opened up about Hudson’s suicide in a 2022 interview with the Los Angeles Times.
Michael began by expressing his and his family’s devastation and grief over the loss of Hudson, who, according to the City and County of Honolulu Department of the Medical Examiner, died of a gunshot wound.
At this time, Michael was with DeAnna and their kids in Hawaii where the family was making preparations for their deceased son. “I am in shock as my son, whom I just spoke with a few days ago, said he was happy — my last text from him was ‘I love you dad,’” divulged Michael.
Michael and Hudson Madsen with Michael’s other sons, Max, Christian, Luke Madsen, at the “Free Willy” 20th Anniversary Celebration in Hollywood, California on August 17, 2013 | Source: Getty Images
The bereaved father went on to share how Hudson’s death came as a shock because he had not seen any signs of depression in his son who had just completed his first tour in the U.S. Army. Before his demise, the sergeant was stationed in Hawaii, where he lived with his wife Carlie Madsen.
The couple, whose marriage was said to have been solid, would post photos on both their social media accounts. The images also showed that Hudson, who was Tarantino’s godson, had spent some time in Afghanistan.
Still trying to piece together how the late husband and son could have taken his own life, Michael highlighted, “He had typical life challenges that people have with finances, but he wanted a family. He was looking towards his future, so it’s [sic] mind blowing. I just can’t grasp what happened.”
Wanting to find answers, Michael also mentioned how he had requested a full investigation by the military into his son’s death. He did so because he believed that “officers and rank and file were shaming” Hudson for needing professional help from a therapist.
The “Reservoir Dogs” star was under the impression that it was this shame that then prompted his son to stop getting help for his mental health problems, which he kept private.
