Disney parks and hit TV shows have long been part of our cherished cultural fabric, but sometimes even our favorite stars face personal struggles that spill into the public eye. In a case that has rocked Hollywood and left many fans in disbelief, an ABC star and her husband were recently taken into custody on serious charges.
Kim Delaney, widely recognized for her role as Detective Diane Russell on NYPD Blue, has enjoyed a storied career on television since her debut in 1995.
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Over the years, Delaney has appeared in a number of iconic ABC shows — including All My Children, General Hospital, Army Wives, and Chicago Fire — solidifying her status as a seasoned actress with nearly five dozen credits to her name. Yet, alongside her professional achievements, Delaney has faced her share of personal challenges, including previous legal issues related to alcohol.
Recent events have thrust Delaney and her husband, James Morgan, into the spotlight once again — this time not for their on-screen performances, but for an incident that has led to their arrest.
According to police records, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department responded to an incident at the couple’s residence in Marina Del Rey after reports of a heated argument turned physical. The situation escalated quickly, resulting in the arrest of both individuals on charges related to assault.
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Per a report from PEOPLE:
After paramedics arrived at the scene to check on potential injuries, both Delaney and Morgan were taken into custody, per TMZ.
When reached for comment, the LASD directed PEOPLE to its Marina Del Rey Sheriff’s Station. Delaney was arrested for assault with a deadly weapon, while Morgan was arrested for domestic violence, a spokesperson for the station confirmed. Morgan and Delaney were still in custody as of March 30, according to the station.
TMZ initially reported her charge as felony assault likely to cause great bodily injury, while Morgan was charged with misdemeanor domestic violence.
This troubling incident adds another chapter to Delaney’s complicated history. In 2002, Delaney was arrested in Malibu on suspected drunk driving charges after refusing a breathalyzer test — a case that ended with a no-contest plea, a fine, probation, and the completion of a special driving course.
Less than a year after her Malibu arrest, Delaney checked herself into a treatment program. Despite these efforts, her challenges persisted. In 2005, she lost custody of her teenage son following an incident in which she forced him to ride in a car while she was driving under the influence.
Her son later revealed that this was not an isolated event, which further tarnished her public image.
The charges brought against Delaney—a felony assault charge for allegedly using a deadly weapon—are particularly severe, while her husband faces misdemeanor domestic violence charges. With their next court date scheduled for April 1, the legal ramifications for the couple are only just beginning to unfold.
Adding complexity to the situation is the fact that Delaney’s legal troubles are not new. In 2024, she was sued by a motorcyclist after an alleged hit-and-run incident, where reports claim she attempted to pay off the victim to avoid police involvement. This, along with previous incidents, paints a picture of a troubled personal life that has repeatedly collided with the public’s expectations of celebrity behavior.
If you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol addiction, there is help available. You can contact the National Helpline for Mental Health and Addiction Services. They are available to chat 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can reach them by calling or texting 988.
