NYPD Blue Star Kim Delaney Arrested for Felony Assault in Domestic Violence Incident With Partner James Morgan.
Kim Delaney, best known for her role as Detective Diane Russell on the iconic ABC series NYPD Blue, was arrested Saturday, March 29, on suspicion of felony assault following a domestic incident at her Los Angeles home.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department confirmed that Delaney, 63, was taken into custody at 10:15 a.m. and charged with assault with a deadly weapon. Her partner, James Morgan, was also arrested and charged with misdemeanor domestic violence after a verbal argument escalated into a physical altercation.
Details of the Arrest and Charges
TMZ initially broke the story, reporting that paramedics were dispatched to the couple’s residence to check for injuries. Both Delaney and Morgan were subsequently taken into custody after being medically cleared. The LASD’s Marina Del Rey station confirmed both arrests.
Delaney’s charge is listed as felony assault likely to cause great bodily injury, while Morgan was booked on a misdemeanor count of domestic violence. According to LASD records, Morgan was arrested roughly 30 minutes before Delaney, and his bail was set at $20,000.
Both are expected to appear in court on Tuesday, April 1.
Delaney’s Troubled History with Law Enforcement
This is not Delaney’s first brush with the law. In 2002, she was arrested in Malibu on suspicion of drunk driving after refusing a breathalyzer test. She later pled no contest, received probation, paid a fine, and completed a defensive driving course.
In 2003, she checked into rehab for alcohol abuse and, in 2005, lost custody of her son, Jack Cortese, after he alleged she drove while intoxicated with him in the car. In 2011, fans voiced concern after Delaney gave a slurred speech during a tribute to Defense Secretary Robert Gates.
More recently, she was sued in 2024 by a motorcyclist for a hit-and-run incident dating back to 2022. Delaney reportedly left the scene before authorities arrived. She completed 50 hours of community service and attended a Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) program as part of her resolution of the case.
A Career Shadowed by Personal Struggles
Delaney starred in 137 episodes of NYPD Blue between 1995 and 2003, earning an Emmy Award in 1997 for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series. She received further nominations in 1998 and 1999. Her other television credits include All My Children, Army Wives, The O.C., and Chicago Fire.
Despite her professional accomplishments, Delaney’s career has often been overshadowed by her personal and legal troubles. On social media, she appeared happy and in love, recently celebrating her second anniversary with Morgan in October and his birthday in April with affectionate posts.
NEW DEVELOPMENTS AND COMMUNITY IMPACT
As Los Angeles residents react to the incident, many are questioning the availability of support systems for domestic conflict prevention, especially among public figures with a history of substance abuse or legal issues. Delaney’s recent court-ordered community service and MADD program attendance have sparked broader conversations about accountability and rehabilitation for celebrities.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1−800−799−SAFE (7233).
Opinion: A Pattern or a Cry for Help?
In a culture where celebrity and chaos often collide, Kim Delaney’s ongoing legal issues raise deeper concerns about mental health, addiction recovery, and the long-term effects of fame. Despite her accolades and fan following, she continues to battle personal demons that play out in public view. As the headlines mount, the question becomes: at what point does society move from condemnation to compassion—and who decides when someone has truly crossed the line?
People Also Ask (FAQ)
Q: What was Kim Delaney charged with?
A: She was charged with felony assault with a deadly weapon, likely to cause great bodily injury.
Q: Who is James Morgan?
A: He is Kim Delaney’s partner. It is unclear if they are legally married.
Q: When is their next court date?
A: Both are scheduled to appear in court on Tuesday, April 1, 2025.
Q: Has Kim Delaney had legal trouble before?
A: Yes, she has faced DUI charges, lost custody of her son, and was involved in a hit-and-run case.
Q: What are some of Kim Delaney’s most famous roles?
A: She is best known for NYPD Blue, but also appeared in Army Wives, All My Children, and Chicago Fire.
