Child star Haley Joel Osment issues apology for using ‘horrifying’ language after being arrested
Haley Joel Osment has issued an apology for using a racial slur against a police officer after being arrested at a ski resort.
Osment, 37 - best known his roles in Forrest Gump and The Sixth Sense - was apprehended by police last week (8 April) at Mammoth Mountain Ski Area in California.
TMZ was the first to report that he had been arrested for public intoxication and possession of a controlled substance with Page Six confirming the claims with local police earlier this week on Wednesday (16 April).
The publication claims that a Mammoth Lakes Police Department media bulletin revealed that ski patrol was with the 'unruly skier' when officers arrived, who was later identified as Osment.
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He is now issuing an apology for the 'disgraceful language' he used while being arrested, telling People in a statement shared on Thursday (17 April): "I’m absolutely horrified by my behaviour.
"Had I known I used this disgraceful language in the throes of a blackout, I would have spoken up sooner."
The former child actor continued: "The past few months of loss and displacement have broken me down to a very low emotional place.
"But that’s no excuse for using this disgusting word."
Osment concluded the apology, saying: "From the bottom of my heart, I apologise to absolutely everyone that this hurts.
"What came out of my mouth was nonsensical garbage - I’ve let the Jewish community down and it devastates me. I don’t ask for anyone’s forgiveness, but I promise to atone for my terrible mistake."
Bodycam footage obtained by the outlet shows Osment being placed under arrest as he repeatedly claimed: "I'm being attacked."
And, when asked for his name, Osment repeated: "I'm an American!"
Upon searching the actor, police found a $20 bill before putting him in a police car and, while speaking with bystanders at the scene, the officer can be seen unfolding the bill only to find a substance inside, telling those around to 'be careful'.
A police source exclusively told the outlet on Wednesday (16 April) that the 'controlled substance' Osment was arrested for 'is presumed to be cocaine. We sent it for testing. We will have the results soon'.
In bodycam footage from inside the police car, Osment can be heard saying: "I'm being kidnapped by a f**king Nazi."
According to People, he later called the arresting officer a racial, antisemitic slur.
Osment's arraignment is scheduled for later this year (7 June).
If you are the victim of an antisemitic incident or you have information regarding an antisemitic incident that happened to somebody else, contact the CST National Emergency Number on 0800 032 3263. In an emergency, always call 999.
Rhiannon Ingle