Renowned for her roles in "All My Children" and "NYPD Blue," actress Kim Delaney found herself in a tumultuous situation on Saturday, leading to her arrest amidst what authorities characterized as an intense, physically charged altercation with her partner, James Morgan. Sources from law enforcement agencies verified that police responded to a domestic disturbance call at Delaney's residence around 10 a.m.
According to TMZ, emergency medical personnel swiftly arrived at the scene to assess any potential injuries to both Delaney, a Primetime Emmy Award winner, and Morgan. Once medically cleared, the duo was taken into police custody. When approached for comment, the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department (LASD) directed PEOPLE Magazine to its Marina Del Rey Sheriff’s Station. A spokesperson from the station affirmed that Delaney was apprehended on charges of assault with a deadly weapon, whereas Morgan was detained on accusations of domestic violence.
As of March 30, both Delaney, the beloved star of "All My Children," and Morgan remained in custody, according to the station's records. Delaney's next court appearance is scheduled for Tuesday, April 1. The LASD website further revealed that Morgan was arrested approximately 30 minutes prior to Delaney, with bail set at $20,000. He is also expected to be in court on April 1.
Delaney, a Daytime Emmy-winning actress best known for portraying Jenny Gardner in "All My Children" and Detective Diane Russell in "NYPD Blue," has grappled with a series of legal and personal challenges in recent years, many of which have been intertwined with alcohol-related incidents. Earlier in January 2024, the "All My Children" star was sued by motorcyclist Dzhamal Badalov stemming from a November 2022 traffic mishap. Court documents accessed by TMZ alleged that Delaney was driving erratically down Venice Boulevard before colliding with Badalov's motorcycle as he waited at a red light, painting a vivid picture of a turbulent sequence of events.
Eyewitnesses recounted how she attempted to bolt from the scene, only to be halted by concerned bystanders. Badalov asserted that Delaney displayed signs of disarray, possibly impaired by intoxicants. He further claimed she entrusted him with her phone to communicate with an anonymous individual who propositioned him with money in exchange for refraining from summoning the authorities. Ultimately, the "NYPD Blue" veteran slipped away before law enforcement could arrive, prompting a civil lawsuit.
In April 2024, Delaney was mandated to undertake 50 hours of community service and enroll in the Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) program stemming from the 2022 incident, according to Daily Mail and RadarOnline. She was also prohibited from driving without a valid license and proof of insurance.
Flashback to 2002, Delaney found herself in handcuffs in Malibu on suspicion of DUI after declining a breathalyzer test. She pleaded no contest, resulting in a fine, a two-year probation period, and a compulsory DUI class. The following year, amidst her departure from "CSI: Miami," she reportedly sought treatment at a rehabilitation center.
Her battle with alcoholism culminated in a custody loss of her then-15-year-old son, Jack Cortese, in 2005. During court proceedings, Cortese testified that Delaney had endangered him by driving under the influence, affirming it was not an isolated occurrence.
In another incident that garnered significant attention, Delaney, a former star of "All My Children" and "NYPD Blue," was removed from the stage during a 2011 event honoring former Defense Secretary Robert Gates after delivering a slurred and incomprehensible speech. The subsequent year, she told reporters she was "not feeling well" and attributed the incident to "technical difficulties," failing to acknowledge any substance abuse.
Despite her personal adversities, Delaney sustained a flourishing television career. In addition to her soap opera beginnings and her acclaimed role in "NYPD Blue," she shone in six seasons of "Army Wives" and featured in series like "Philly" and "CSI: Miami." Born in Philadelphia, Delaney embarked on her career as a model before pivoting to acting. She garnered her first Daytime Emmy nomination in 1983 and eventually won a Primetime Emmy for her performance in "NYPD Blue."
