Michael Pitt Arrested on Sexual Abuse Charges

Michael Pitt Faces Nine Counts in Brooklyn Case

Actor Michael Pitt, known for roles in HBO’s Boardwalk Empire and Dawson’s Creek, Michael Pitt Arrested in Brooklyn on nine criminal charges including sexual abuse, assault, and strangulation. The 44-year-old pleaded not guilty and was released on $100,000 bail, with his next court date set for June 17.

The Charges and Timeline

Let’s face it: Hollywood’s darker headlines often overshadow its glitz. This week, actor Michael Pitt, famed for his brooding roles in Boardwalk Empire and Dawson’s Creek, found himself at the center of a harrowing legal storm. On May 2, Pitt was arrested in Brooklyn and charged with two counts of first-degree sexual abuse, two counts of second-degree assault, one count of strangulation, and additional charges related to criminal sex acts and attempted assault. The indictment alleges four separate incidents between April 2020 and August 2021 at his Bushwick home, where he reportedly assaulted an ex-girlfriend with a wooden plank, a cinderblock, and choked her.

Imagine this scenario: a quiet Brooklyn apartment turned crime scene. Prosecutors claim that in April 2020, Pitt forcibly touched the woman’s genitals. Months later, in August 2020, he allegedly forced oral sex on her and struck her with a 4×4 wooden beam. By June 2021, the violence escalated—authorities say he attacked her with a cinderblock, leaving her injured. The final incident in August 2021 involved strangulation, allegedly causing physical harm .

The Legal Backlash

Pitt’s attorney, Jason Goldman, didn’t mince words in defense. “We live in a world where, consequently, someone like Mr. Pitt—an accomplished professional—can be arrested on the uncorroborated word of an unhinged individual,” he stated. Furthermore, he argued that the allegations surfaced years after the couple’s “consensual relationship” ended. In addition, Goldman claims to have “exonerating evidence” and insists that, as a result, the case will collapseBut here’s the thing: the Brooklyn District Attorney’s office has remained tight-lipped, refusing to comment beyond the indictment’s details.

Michael Pitt seen at “Day Of The Fight” Special Screening via Getty Images

A Pattern of Turbulence

This isn’t Pitt’s first brush with the law. In July 2022, Michael Pitt Arrested for assaulting a man and stealing his phone—a case still pending. Just two months later, police hospitalized him after a rooftop meltdown where he reportedly hurled objects at pedestrians, deemed “emotionally disturbed” by authorities 59. Fans might recall his Boardwalk Empire character, Jimmy Darmody, was killed off early amid rumors of on-set clashes. Life, it seems, imitates art a little too closely.

The actor faces up to life in prison if convicted on all charges.

Career Crossroads

Pitt’s career has been a mix of critical acclaim and behind-the-scenes turbulence. From his breakout in Hedwig and the Angry Inch to recent films like Reptile and Day of the Fight, his talent is undeniable. But these charges cast a long shadow. With a June 17 court date looming, the industry is left wondering: will Pitt’s legal battles derail his resurgence?

Fact Check & Verification

Indictment Details: Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office (via AP News).
Defense Statement: Jason Goldman’s response to Variety and TMZ (Variety).
Prior Arrests: 2022 assault and petty larceny charges (The Guardian).
Bail Discrepancy: Reports vary between 15,000 and 100,000 (∗NBCNews∗) (ABC News), pending further clarification .