Two-time Oscar nominee Djimon Hounsou is listed as the victim in a Dec. 2 assault that led to the Jan. 16 arrest of ex-partner Riza Simpson on family-violence and obstruction charges after the actor sought her eviction from his Atlanta home.
Atlanta police booked Riza Simpson on two misdemeanor counts—simple assault family violence and obstruction—after Djimon Hounsou walked into the Zone 2 precinct Dec. 2 with a swollen left eye and told officers his ex-girlfriend had punched him inside the garage of the residence they still shared, an incident report first obtained by Entertainment Weekly confirms.
The arrest, made public Jan. 21, marks a rare instance of a major male movie star asserting domestic-abuse victim status in an on-record police filing.
The Alleged Attack
Hounsou, 61, told detectives he had served Simpson with a notice to vacate the house where she had lived for “three to four years” with their two children. When he entered the garage to retrieve house keys, Simpson allegedly blocked the driver-side door and, “upset,” began “striking his face with a closed fist,” the report states. Officers observed “bruising and/or swelling” and noted the actor had recently undergone eye surgery, heightening the injury risk.
The children were upstairs and “did not see the incident but possibly heard it,” according to Hounsou’s statement. Police photographed his injuries and advised him on obtaining a temporary protective order and pursuing a formal eviction under county law.
Obstruction Charge Explained
Simpson’s second charge stems from allegedly giving “false information and refusing to comply with lawful commands” when officers attempted to interview her at the scene, the report says. She was released the same day on a $500 bond and is scheduled to appear in Atlanta Municipal Court on Jan. 21, records first reported by Us Weekly show.
Hollywood Impact
Hounsou—twice nominated for Academy Awards for Blood Diamond and In America and known worldwide for roles in Gladiator, Amistad, and the Marvel Cinematic Universe—has previously spoken about the pressures of fame and fatherhood. The police action arrives weeks before he is expected on press circuits for the Lionsgate sci-fi thriller Shadow Force, due later this year.
Domestic-violence advocates note that male victims frequently under-report abuse; Hounsou’s decision to file a formal complaint could spotlight resources for survivors regardless of gender.
What Happens Next
- Simpson’s first court appearance is set for Jan. 21 in Atlanta.
- Hounsou can petition for a 12-month protective order if a judge finds probable cause.
- Eviction proceedings in Georgia typically take 30-60 days once a dispossessory affidavit is filed.
The Atlanta Police Department lists the case status as open; prosecutors will decide whether to pursue upgraded charges once discovery is complete.
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