Former Child Star Detained for Drunken Behavior

Officer escorting handcuffed person down hallway.

Acclaimed child actor Haley Joel Osment was arrested at a California ski resort for public intoxication and possession of a controlled substance, adding another chapter to his troubled adult history following his iconic role in “The Sixth Sense.”

Key Takeaways

Haley Joel Osment was arrested on April 8 at Mammoth Mountain Ski Area in California for public intoxication and possession of a controlled substance.
The former child star has a history of legal troubles, including a 2006 DUI incident that resulted in three years of probation.
Osment reportedly lost his home in recent Los Angeles firestorms, potentially contributing to his current difficulties.
Despite personal challenges, Osment continues to work in Hollywood, recently appearing in “Blink Twice” and set to appear in Season Two of “Poker Face.”

Arrest at Mammoth Mountain

Haley Joel Osment, best known for his childhood role in the 1999 thriller “The Sixth Sense,” was arrested at Mammoth Mountain Ski Area in California on April 8, 2025. The 37-year-old actor was reportedly detained after ski patrol identified him as an “unruly skier” and remained with him until police arrived on the scene. According to reports, Osment was booked for public intoxication and possession of an unidentified controlled substance, which is currently being analyzed in a lab.

Sergeant Jason Heilman of the Mammoth Lakes Police Department confirmed the incident, stating, “He was booked and is no longer in custody.” The Mono County Sheriff’s Office has verified the arrest, while the county district attorney will determine whether to move forward with prosecution. This incident marks another troubling moment for the former child star, whose early career success has been occasionally overshadowed by adult legal issues.

History of Legal Troubles

This is not Osment’s first encounter with law enforcement. In 2006, he pleaded no contest to driving under the influence and marijuana possession following a car accident in which he broke a rib and injured his shoulder. That case resulted in three years of probation, alcohol rehabilitation, mandatory attendance at Alcoholics Anonymous meetings, and a fine. Additionally, reports indicate Osment was involved in another incident at McCarran International Airport in 2018.

Osment’s pattern of legal issues raises questions about the challenges faced by former child actors as they navigate adulthood in the public eye. Many conservative commentators have noted the concerning trend of Hollywood child stars struggling with substance abuse and legal problems later in life, pointing to the unique pressures and lack of traditional structure in entertainment industry upbringings.

'The Sixth Sense' star Haley Joel Osment was arrested for public intoxication in the California resort town Mammoth Lakes last week, months after losing his home in the Eaton Fire. https://t.co/4AWmw8qYPV

— Entertainment Weekly (@EW) April 17, 2025

Personal Hardships

Sources close to the situation suggest that Osment may be going through particularly difficult personal circumstances. He reportedly lost his Altadena home in the recent Los Angeles firestorms that devastated parts of Southern California earlier this year. His sister, Emily Osment, confirmed the family’s loss on social media, writing, “It’s been an extremely difficult month. Thank you to everyone that has reached out to my family in the wake of the fires.”

Adding to his troubles, Osment is reportedly facing issues with his insurance company regarding coverage for his destroyed property. These personal hardships may provide context for his recent behavior, though they do not excuse illegal activities. Under President Trump’s administration, there have been renewed calls for improved disaster response and insurance accountability in California, where wildfire victims often face lengthy battles for compensation.

Continuing Career Despite Setbacks

Despite his personal and legal challenges, Osment has maintained an active career in Hollywood. He recently appeared in the film “Blink Twice,” directed by Zoë Kravitz, and is set to appear in the second season of “Poker Face.” His diverse acting portfolio includes roles in “Entourage,” “Teachers,” and “The Boys,” demonstrating his ability to transition from child star to adult actor in various genres.

In a previous interview about his career choices, Osment acknowledged his efforts to break away from his child star image, saying, “I’ve done some really off-the-wall stuff, and stuff that people might not expect. That’s one way to work through people’s expectations of you.” This self-awareness about public perceptions hasn’t shielded him from personal difficulties, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by those who achieve fame at a young age.