Controversial journalist Charlie LeDuff charged with domestic violence
By Kelly Berg
Pleasant Ridge, Oak Park — Charlie LeDuff, a prominent journalist and former Detroit News columnist, has been charged with domestic violence for allegedly striking his wife.
The incident occurred on Monday in Pleasant Ridge, leading to LeDuff’s arrest. He was charged on Tuesday with a misdemeanor domestic violence in 45th District Court in Oak Park. Following his arraignment, LeDuff was released on a $5,000 personal recognizance bond.
LeDuff’s attorney, Todd Perkins, confirmed that the victim in the case is LeDuff’s wife of 31 years. Perkins asked for LeDuff to be allowed to return to living at home if his wife was okay with it, but Judge Jaimie Horowitz ordered no contact with LeDuff’s wife.
LeDuff is known as a controversial journalist and is the host of a weekly podcast called “No BS News Hour with Charlie LeDuff.” He has previously worked at the New York Times, WJBK-TV, and The News, and even won a Pulitzer Prize in 2001.
However, LeDuff’s career has not been without its controversies. He and The News parted ways in October after he used a disparaging slur against Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel in a tweet. LeDuff defended his comment as “clever,” but the incident led to his departure from the publication.
The recent domestic violence charge adds another layer of controversy to LeDuff’s public persona. Robert Ried, interim police chief for Pleasant Ridge, confirmed the arrest but declined to provide additional details, citing an ongoing investigation.
LeDuff’s attorney Perkins was not immediately available for comment.
The case is ongoing, and further details are expected to emerge as the investigation progresses. For now, LeDuff faces the legal consequences of the domestic violence charge, while his reputation as a journalist and public figure may be irreparably tarnished.