Michael Pitt, the actor known for his role in the acclaimed series “Boardwalk Empire,” was arrested and indicted on multiple charges in Brooklyn. The charges include sexual abuse, criminal sex act, assault, and strangulation, stemming from alleged incidents that occurred between 2020 and 2021. The Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office is prosecuting the case.
Pitt’s legal troubles started after an allegation in August 2020, stating that Pitt had forced oral sex upon one such individual. Additional charges from April 2020 allege that he sexually abused a second, unnamed victim through forcible compulsion. The incident in June 2021 when Pitt allegedly attacked another person with a cinder block. Then, in August 2021, he allegedly attempted to strangle yet another woman. The indictment further alleges that, the same month, Pitt seriously injured a second victim with a “four by four.”
The actor became internationally known for his role as Jimmy Darmody on HBO’s “Boardwalk Empire,” opposite Steve Buscemi. He is now an iconic leader of industry in Hollywood on the small screen and large. He appeared in two seasons of the fictional HBO series. He made memorable appearances in shows such as “Hannibal” and “Dawson’s Creek.” Outside of his music career, he is perhaps best known for his film roles in The Dreamers and Last Days.
Following his arrest, Michael Pitt pleaded not guilty to the charges. He was released during his continued court appearance scheduled for June. His lawyer, James Goldman, said he was highly confident Pitt would prevail.
“Unfortunately, we live in a world where somebody like Mr. Pitt — an accomplished professional who would never so much as contemplate these crimes — can be arrested on the uncorroborated word of an unreliable individual. In reality, this baseless claim is suspiciously raised some four or five years after the alleged incident, from a time when the two parties were in a completely consensual relationship. We have already uncovered exonerating evidence and this case will be dismissed.” – James Goldman
That case against Pitt has been developing over time, raising extensive media attention. This controversy once again exposes the dangerous double standard that public figures face when they are accused of similar misconduct. The court case will establish whether these felony charges go forward.
