An ongoing assault case involving actor Djimon Hounsou and his ex-girlfriend has recently drawn attention following her arrest last week. Riza Simpson, who is the mother of two of Hounsou’s children, was taken into custody on January 16 and subsequently charged with “battery — family violence.” Reports indicate that she spent under a week in police custody before being released on a $2,000 bond on January 22. Currently, she does not have a scheduled hearing date.
According to initial reports from TMZ, the incident arose after a confrontation between Hounsou and Simpson, during which he claimed she struck him in the face. Hounsou reported the incident to authorities in December, stating that the altercation occurred when he attempted to eject her from his residence. At the time of the alleged assault, their children were present in the home, although they were upstairs and did not witness the incident.
The warrant for Simpson’s arrest was issued based on allegations of assault and obstruction due to her purportedly providing false information to the police. It has been reported that their children were at home during her arrest and could be heard crying in the background.
Djimon Hounsou, a two-time Oscar-nominated actor recognized for his performances in acclaimed films such as “Gladiator,” “Blood Diamond,” and “In America,” has also engaged in discussions about the financial challenges he faces within the industry. Remarkably, despite his achievements, he shared that he continues to struggle financially, a reflection he attributes to systemic issues within the entertainment field.
Additionally, Hounsou shares a child with model Kimora Lee Simmons, with whom he had a commitment ceremony in 2009, though they never married. As this situation unfolds, it highlights the complexities surrounding personal relationships in the public eye, particularly when they intersect with allegations of domestic violence.