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Haley Joel Osment Reportedly Used Anti-Semitic Slur During Arrest
Actor Haley Joel Osment, known for his role in “The Sixth Sense,” allegedly employed an offensive anti-Semitic slur during an interaction with a law enforcement officer during his arrest on April 8 in Mammoth Lakes, California. The incident has drawn significant media attention and sparked public discussion regarding the actor’s behavior.
Allegations of Racist Language and Erratic Behavior
Sources within law enforcement disclosed to TMZ on Thursday that the 37-year-old former child star utilized the deeply offensive term “K***” during an exchange with the arresting officer. Furthermore, Osment reportedly labeled the officer a “Nazi” during the same encounter at the Mammoth Mountain ski resort. Law enforcement sources characterized the interaction as “a really bad moment” for the actor.
Osment Expresses Remorse and Acknowledges Blackout
Late Thursday, Osment issued a statement to TMZ, expressing profound remorse for his actions. He attributed his behavior to a “blackout,” stating, “I am absolutely horrified by my behavior, which he said occurred ‘in the throes of a blackout.'”
He further added, “‘Had I known I used this disgraceful language … I would have spoken up sooner.'”
Details of the Arrest
According to police records obtained by TMZ on Wednesday, officers responded to a call shortly after 2 p.m. regarding an intoxicated individual, which led to Osment’s arrest. He was reportedly in the company of ski patrol personnel at the Mammoth Mountain resort, a popular skiing destination in Mammoth Lakes, California, at the time of the incident.
Context of Personal Hardship
It is noted that the Oscar-nominee recently experienced the loss of his home in devastating Los Angeles fires. Osment alluded to this traumatic event in his statement to the media outlet.
“‘The past few months of loss and displacement have broken me down to a very low emotional place but that’s no excuse for using this disgusting word,'” he stated.
Osment conveyed a sincere apology, saying, “‘From the bottom of my heart, I apologize to absolutely everyone that this hurts.”
“‘What came out of my mouth was nonsensical garbage – I’ve let the Jewish community down and it devastates me. I don’t ask for anyone’s forgiveness, but I promise to atone for my terrible mistake.'”
Booking and Potential Charges
Upon arrival at the police station, authorities booked the actor on suspicion of public intoxication and possession of a controlled substance. Reports indicate he was later released. The decision regarding whether to formally charge Osment now rests with the District Attorney for Mono County.
Past Legal Issues
This recent arrest is not Osment’s first encounter with law enforcement. In 2006, his public image shifted dramatically when he was arrested for driving under the influence after a car accident. His vehicle collided with a brick mailbox pillar, resulting in a rollover. He sustained injuries in the crash and required hospitalization.
Subsequently, he faced misdemeanor DUI charges, including driving under the influence of alcohol with a blood-alcohol content exceeding 0.15 percent, and for possession of marijuana while driving.
Osment ultimately pleaded no contest to one count each of driving under the influence of alcohol and possession of marijuana and received a sentence of probation, alcohol rehabilitation program, Alcoholics Anonymous meetings, and a fine.
Recent Personal Struggles
In February, Osment publicly discussed his housing challenges following the loss of his home in the Eaton Fire. During an appearance on the Mentor Buffet podcast, he spoke of his difficulties living in California after relocating from New York. He referenced personal and professional setbacks, including a relationship ending and the impact of industry strikes, culminating in the destruction of his home in the wildfire.
At the time of the fire, Osment expressed his emotional connection to his home on social media, writing, “‘My heart would be so full every time I drove home. It was such a special place. I loved living there.'”
Earlier in January, his sister, actress Emily Osment, disclosed that their parents also lost their home in the same Eaton Fire.