Djimon Hounsou’s ex-girlfriend arrested after alleged assault on actor

Hollywood actor Djimon Hounsou’s ex-girlfriend, Riza Simpson, has been arrested following allegations that she assaulted the Gladiator star at their Atlanta home.

According to an incident report from the Atlanta Police Department, the 61-year-old Beninese-American actor reported that Simpson struck him in the face with a closed fist on December 2, 2025, after he asked her to move out of their townhouse. Hounsou and Simpson share two children, who were reportedly at home at the time but were upstairs during the incident, Daily Mailreported.

Police say officers returned to the same residence on Friday, January 16, with an arrest warrant for Simpson. She was allegedly seen inside the house closing the blinds, but later told officers on the phone that she was driving to meet them. After police indicated they would enter the home, she opened the door.

Simpson was arrested on misdemeanor charges of simple assault (domestic violence) and obstruction, for allegedly providing false information to officers. Police reports also noted that children were present during her arrest, with crying heard in the background when officers first arrived.

Records show that Simpson was booked at the Atlanta City Detention Center on a charge of battery — family violence, listed as a first offence. She was later released after posting a $500 bond and transferred to Fulton County Jail due to the arrest warrant. Her court appearance is scheduled for Wednesday, January 21.

Hounsou, a two-time Oscar nominee, is known for his roles in major films including Gladiator. He has largely kept his personal life private. Prior to his relationship with Simpson, he was in a long-term relationship with model Kimora Lee Simmons, with whom he shares a 16-year-old son.

As of the time of reporting, representatives for Hounsou, Simpson, and the Atlanta Police Department had not issued official statements.