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Kim Delaney of NYPD Blue Arrested Following Domestic Dispute
Kim Delaney, the Emmy-winning actress known for her role in NYPD Blue, was arrested Saturday after authorities responded to a domestic disturbance at her Los Angeles residence involving her partner, James Morgan. Law enforcement sources indicate the incident stemmed from a ‘heated argument that turned physical’.
Police Respond to Domestic Disturbance Call
Police were called to Delaney’s home around 10:00 a.m. following reports of a domestic dispute. Sources told TMZ that paramedics were dispatched to the scene to assess Delaney and Morgan for potential injuries. After both were medically cleared, Sheriff’s deputies took them into custody.
Felony Assault Charge for Actress
Delaney, 63, who garnered acclaim for her portrayal of Detective Diane Russell in the police drama NYPD Blue, faces a felony assault charge likely to cause great bodily injury.
Misdemeanor Domestic Violence Charge for Partner
James Morgan has been charged with misdemeanor domestic violence related to the same incident.
Kim Delaney’s Career and Past Legal Issues
Television Career Highlights
Prior to this incident, Delaney established a successful acting career, notably starring in:
- NYPD Blue: Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series (1997)
- All My Children
- Army Wives
- Philly
- CSI: Miami
Originally from Philadelphia, Delaney’s career began in modeling before she transitioned to acting. She received a Daytime Emmy Award nomination in 1983 for her role in All My Children.
Past Legal Encounters and Personal Struggles
Delaney’s personal life has been marked by struggles with alcoholism and prior legal issues.
Motorcycle Hit-and-Run Lawsuit (2022 Incident)
In January 2024, Delaney was sued by Dzhamal Badalov, a motorcyclist who alleges she fled the scene after crashing her car into him in November 2022.
Details of the 2022 Incident Allegations
According to court documents, witnesses reported Delaney driving erratically on Venice Boulevard before the alleged collision. Badalov states he was stopped at a red light when Delaney’s car hit his motorcycle, causing him to be thrown into the intersection. Witnesses claim Delaney was swerving between lanes before the impact.
Alleged Attempt to Flee and Offer of Money
Badalov claims Delaney initially attempted to drive away after the collision but was stopped by onlookers. He further alleges that Delaney appeared disoriented and made a phone call, during which he claims someone offered him money to allow Delaney to leave the scene without police involvement. Badalov refused, and the person on the phone allegedly instructed Delaney to flee before police arrived, which she reportedly did.
Community Service and MADD Program Order
In April 2024, Delaney was ordered to complete 50 hours of community service and the Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) program in connection to the 2022 incident. She was also instructed to possess a valid driver’s license and liability insurance when operating a vehicle.
2002 DUI Arrest
In 2002, Delaney was arrested in Malibu, California, for suspicion of drunk driving after refusing a breathalyzer test during a traffic stop. She later pleaded no contest to the charge, resulting in a fine, a mandatory drunk driving course, and a two-year probation period. The following year, she reportedly entered a rehabilitation program after leaving CSI: Miami.
Custody Dispute and Public Behavior
In 2005, Delaney lost custody of her son, Jack Cortese, then 15, amidst concerns about her alcohol-related issues. Cortese testified that Delaney had driven with him in the car while allegedly intoxicated.
2011 Public Event Incident
In September 2011, Delaney was escorted off stage at an event honoring former Defense Secretary Robert Gates after delivering a slurred and incoherent speech, leading to speculation of intoxication. In a 2012 statement, Delaney downplayed the incident, citing feeling unwell and ‘technical problems’, without acknowledging any substance use.