Djimon Hounsou is back in the news, but unfortunately not for a new movie role.
The actor is facing personal issues after his ex-girlfriend and baby mama, Riza Marie Simpson, was arrested after a domestic dispute. Keep reading to learn more about the altercation.
The Altercation
According to the police report, Hounsou alleges that Simpson was “given a notice to vacate the premises since he [Hounsou] does not want her to be at the residence.”
Upset about leaving, Simpson “stood by the driver side door of his vehicle inside the garage to retrieve a set of keys for the house when he was trying to leave the location.”
The pair got into some heated words, ending when Simpson started to allegedly hit Hounsou “with a closed fist.” The impact caused one of his eyes to get red and swell up.
Per Hounsou, it also exacerbated previous issues he’s been experiencing with his eyes, including a recent surgery before the incident.
Fortunately, the children were upstairs in the house during the incident. However, they may have been able to hear it. As for the couple’s relationship, it’s not clear when the relationship turned sour.
The Arrest
Fast forward a few days to Friday, January 16th, the Atlanta Police Department executed an arrest warrant at the same home and took Simpson into custody.
She was charged with obstruction for allegedly “providing false information and refusing to comply with lawful commands” and simple assault- family violence.
Both of these charges are misdemeanors, and these are her first offenses.
Simpson’s children were with her during the arrest, and once she was apprehended, police officers claimed her children were in the background, crying.
Further Struggles for Djimon Hounsou
While news outlets have reached out to both Simpson and Hounsou, neither has publicly spoken out about the altercation.
This is yet another bump in the road for the longtime actor. He has been open in the past about his struggles to land consistent roles in Hollywood and being paid fairly.
Adding in some family drama on top of industry challenges? Djimon Hounsou is surely feeling the stress and pressure. Hopefully, the two of them can make up. Or, at least part ways in a less aggressive manner in the future.