Mingus Lucien Reedus, son of The Walking Dead star Norman Reedus and his ex-wife, supermodel Helena Christensen, has once again found himself in the middle of a controversy. The 25-year-old, despite his privileged background and growing career in modelling and creative arts, has previously appeared in headlines for all the wrong reasons.
Being the child of two celebrated artists, Mingus has previously been placed under media and public scrutiny. The model recently made headlines for getting arrested in New York City on Saturday, August 23, 2025, on charges of assaulting a woman. Previously, his name had appeared in the limelight due to a 2021 incident at New York’s San Gennaro Festival, which ended with him taking a plea deal.
At just 25, Reedus’s public journey has been a mix of promise, privilege, and controversy. After his recent arrest, the model has once again grabbed the curiosity of fans. Here’s everything to know about the incident, the charges, and what this means for Norman Reedus’ son.
Mingus Lucien Reedus gets arrested for alleged assault
According to police sources, Mingua Reedus was arrested on charges of assaulting a 33-year-old woman at his Chelsea apartment on West 16th Street. The incident reportedly unfolded on August 23, 2025, at around 8:40 a.m., when Mingus himself dialled 911. He claimed that a woman inside his apartment was threatening to harm him and was also under the influence of drugs.
However, things took a turn when officers arrived at his apartment, and the woman instead accused Reedus of being the aggressor, alleging that Mingus struck her on the knee, strangled her, and even slammed her to the ground. The 33-year-old woman was discovered in the apartment with minor injuries to her neck and leg. She was transported to Bellevue Hospital and has since been in stable condition.
Meanwhile, Mingus Reedus was charged with third-degree assault and criminal obstruction of breathing. As per witness accounts to The New York Post, when the police escorted him out of his building around 9:25 a.m., the 25-year-old looked visibly dishevelled.
However, things took a turn later in the evening. At around 11:45 p.m., the woman, identified as the alleged victim, was seen leaving the NYPD precinct with an unidentified man. According to Daily Mail, the woman downplayed the situation upon being approached by reporters, simply calling it a ‘misunderstanding’, with her companion adding, ‘You’ve got your story all wrong.’ When asked why the authorities had been contacted, she clarified that it was Mingus who had called the police.
Not his first run-in with the law
This isn’t the first time that Mingus has had a brush with the law. Back in September 2021, the then-22-year-old was arrested after he allegedly punched a 24-year-old woman during the San Gennaro Festival in Little Italy. The woman had to be hospitalised with a facial injury under her left eye.
The incident had drawn significant attention in the industry. After his arrest, Mingus cited self-defence for attacking the woman. He explained to The Daily News that he and his friends were ‘swarmed’ by an intoxicated group, and he acted out to defend himself. In March 2022, Reedus accepted the crime and pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct. He was also appointed to mandatory counselling sessions after that incident.
Who is Mingus Lucien Reedus?
Born on October 13, 1999, Mingus is the only child of Norman Reedus and Helena Christensen before they split. His unique first name was inspired by legendary jazz musician Charles Mingus. Speaking about his unusual name, Christensen told The Independent in a 2006 interview:
“His father, especially, is into Charlie Mingus. I was more into Thelonious Monk, Chet Baker, and Billie Holiday—but we thought ‘Mingus’ sounded cooler than ‘Monk’ for a first name.”
Norman and Helena eventually parted ways, their divorce finalised in 2003. Despite no longer being married, both maintained a close co-parenting relationship to raise Mingus. He also has a younger half-sister, Nova, whom Norman had with his then-fiancée, Diane Kruger, in 2018.
Mingus Lucien Reedus graduated from New York University in 2023 with a degree in film studies. Alongside his academic achievements, he has built a career in fashion modelling, walking the runway for global brands such as Versace, Calvin Klein, and Tommy Hilfiger. He has also appeared in joint fashion campaigns with his mother, supermodel Helena Christensen.
But that’s not all. Just like his multi-talented parents, Mingus has also tried his hand in numerous fields. At just 25, he has already produced music under his middle name, Lucien, and often shared his beats on SoundCloud. Now graduated with a film degree, Reedus has also expressed his interest in working in films, citing directors like the Safdie brothers as his inspiration.
What’s next for Mingus?
With his recent run-in with the New York Police, Mingus Lucien Reedus currently remains under investigation for the latest assault allegations. While the alleged victim now cites it all as a misunderstanding, neither Mingus nor his representatives have yet made any comment on the arrest.
With his prestigious family name and high-profile parents, Mingus Reedus is no stranger to the spotlight, often grabbing headlines with his professional and personal life. His recent arrest adds yet another controversial chapter to the 25-year-old’s public image.
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