Home Alone actor hospitalised ahead of domestic violence trial
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Content warning: The following sections contain domestic violence-related content that some readers may find disturbing or triggering. Please be advised.
Home Alone is one of those films that never fails to evoke nostalgia, with a generation of adults today looking back at the tale of a cheeky little boy’s gallant stand against thieves.
The series featured names that would go on to be Hollywood greats, such as Catherine O’Hara and Macaulay Culkin.
But other cast members haven’t fared as well—some have even gained notoriety.
Devin Ratray, who famously played Buzz McCallister in the beloved series, has recently been hospitalised in critical condition.
Ratray, now 47, is best known for his role as the older brother of Macaulay Culkin's character, Kevin, in the iconic Christmas films.
His recent hospitalisation and legal troubles have cast a shadow over his once light-hearted image.
According to a family member who spoke to Hollywood gossip website TMZ, Ratray has since been discharged from the hospital and is now 'back home resting on doctor's orders’. The specifics of what led to his hospitalisation remain undisclosed, as does the exact timing of this health scare.
However, at least one source has indicated that issues with his heart may have been the cause.
The actor's health crisis has resulted in a delay to his domestic violence trial, which was due to commence with jury selection in Oklahoma, USA. The trial has now been postponed until February.
Ratray's legal troubles began when he was charged with punching and strangling his girlfriend.
The incident reportedly occurred in Oklahoma City in December 2021 while Ratray was visiting with his girlfriend, whose identity had been kept confidential.
The affidavit obtained by a local network revealed a disturbing series of events.
After consuming a significant amount of alcohol at a steakhouse, Ratray reportedly became agitated when two fans approached him for an autograph.
His girlfriend handed the fans two signed autograph cards without asking for money and then returned to their hotel room at Hyatt Place Oklahoma City.
Ratray allegedly followed her back to the room, where he pushed her onto the bed, covered her mouth with one hand, and pressed down on her throat with the other.
According to the affidavit, he told her, ‘This is how you die’ while choking her.
He is also accused of punching her in the face and pushing her into a desk, causing multiple injuries.
The actor was later arrested on a warrant for two charges of domestic assault and battery. He 'turned himself in and was processed' before posting $38,000 bail ($57,463.60 AUD), according to police reports.
Ratray's lawyer, Scott Adams, belied the allegations. 'Mr Ratray denies he ever laid a hand on her or did anything in regards to anything like that,' said Adams. Ratray entered a not guilty plea in February 2022.
A woman named Lisa Smith also alleged that he drugged and sexually assaulted her in September 2017.
When questioned about the allegations, Ratray confirmed spending time with Smith but denied the crime ever taking place.
Ratray's case is a stark reminder of the dark side of fame. While the glitz and glamour of Hollywood often overshadow the personal lives of celebrities, instances of domestic violence among the rich and famous are not uncommon.
As his trial looms, it's important to remember the victim at the centre of this case. Domestic violence is a serious issue that affects people from all walks of life, and it's crucial that victims are supported and that justice is served.
Back home, one in five adults is estimated to have experienced physical, emotional, and economic abuse according to the 2021-2022 Personal Safety Survey done by the Australian Bureau of Statistics.
We encourage our readers to support local domestic violence charities and groups that work tirelessly to help victims and survivors.
If you or someone you know are experiencing domestic violence, don’t hesitate to reach out to organisations like 1800RESPECT or White Ribbon Australia.
If you believe your or their life is at risk, call 000 for police and ambulance services.
Home Alone is one of those films that never fails to evoke nostalgia, with a generation of adults today looking back at the tale of a cheeky little boy’s gallant stand against thieves.
The series featured names that would go on to be Hollywood greats, such as Catherine O’Hara and Macaulay Culkin.
But other cast members haven’t fared as well—some have even gained notoriety.
Devin Ratray, who famously played Buzz McCallister in the beloved series, has recently been hospitalised in critical condition.
Ratray, now 47, is best known for his role as the older brother of Macaulay Culkin's character, Kevin, in the iconic Christmas films.
His recent hospitalisation and legal troubles have cast a shadow over his once light-hearted image.
Ratray has starred in over 40 film & TV productions. Image Credit: Shutterstock
According to a family member who spoke to Hollywood gossip website TMZ, Ratray has since been discharged from the hospital and is now 'back home resting on doctor's orders’. The specifics of what led to his hospitalisation remain undisclosed, as does the exact timing of this health scare.
However, at least one source has indicated that issues with his heart may have been the cause.
The actor's health crisis has resulted in a delay to his domestic violence trial, which was due to commence with jury selection in Oklahoma, USA. The trial has now been postponed until February.
Ratray's legal troubles began when he was charged with punching and strangling his girlfriend.
The incident reportedly occurred in Oklahoma City in December 2021 while Ratray was visiting with his girlfriend, whose identity had been kept confidential.
The affidavit obtained by a local network revealed a disturbing series of events.
Ratray portrayed an evil big brother in the Home Alone series. Source: YouTube/DinkyFLIX
After consuming a significant amount of alcohol at a steakhouse, Ratray reportedly became agitated when two fans approached him for an autograph.
His girlfriend handed the fans two signed autograph cards without asking for money and then returned to their hotel room at Hyatt Place Oklahoma City.
Ratray allegedly followed her back to the room, where he pushed her onto the bed, covered her mouth with one hand, and pressed down on her throat with the other.
According to the affidavit, he told her, ‘This is how you die’ while choking her.
He is also accused of punching her in the face and pushing her into a desk, causing multiple injuries.
The actor was later arrested on a warrant for two charges of domestic assault and battery. He 'turned himself in and was processed' before posting $38,000 bail ($57,463.60 AUD), according to police reports.
Ratray's lawyer, Scott Adams, belied the allegations. 'Mr Ratray denies he ever laid a hand on her or did anything in regards to anything like that,' said Adams. Ratray entered a not guilty plea in February 2022.
A woman named Lisa Smith also alleged that he drugged and sexually assaulted her in September 2017.
When questioned about the allegations, Ratray confirmed spending time with Smith but denied the crime ever taking place.
Ratray's case is a stark reminder of the dark side of fame. While the glitz and glamour of Hollywood often overshadow the personal lives of celebrities, instances of domestic violence among the rich and famous are not uncommon.
As his trial looms, it's important to remember the victim at the centre of this case. Domestic violence is a serious issue that affects people from all walks of life, and it's crucial that victims are supported and that justice is served.
Back home, one in five adults is estimated to have experienced physical, emotional, and economic abuse according to the 2021-2022 Personal Safety Survey done by the Australian Bureau of Statistics.
We encourage our readers to support local domestic violence charities and groups that work tirelessly to help victims and survivors.
If you or someone you know are experiencing domestic violence, don’t hesitate to reach out to organisations like 1800RESPECT or White Ribbon Australia.
If you believe your or their life is at risk, call 000 for police and ambulance services.
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