Five Photos Of Riza Simpson: Djimon Hounsou's Baby Mama Who Is Allegedly Abusing Him and Whom He Wants Arrested

Riza Simpson, the ex-girlfriend of actor Djimon Hounsou and mother of his two children, has been arrested in Atlanta for allegedly assaulting the star in a domestic incident. The 61-year-old actor reported to Atlanta police that Simpson struck him in the face with a closed fist after he asked her to vacate his townhouse in December 2025. The children were upstairs and may have heard the altercation, though they did not see it. The presence of the children has heightened concern around the case, with commentators stressing the emotional impact such disputes can have on minors even when they are not direct witnesses.

Simpson was taken into custody on 17 January 2026 and also charged with obstruction for allegedly giving false information to officers. Coverage has spread rapidly across entertainment outlets, legal blogs, and social media platforms, sparking conversations about domestic violence, gender dynamics, and the treatment of male victims in the justice system.

The Alleged Assault

The incident reportedly took place on 2 December 2025 at the Atlanta townhouse owned by Hounsou. According to the police report, after Hounsou instructed Simpson to leave the property, she struck him with a closed fist, causing visible marks on his face. Hounsou, known for his roles in Gladiator and Blood Diamond, filed the complaint shortly after the altercation.

Simpson has challenged the allegations by releasing an audio recording of the dispute, saying she was heading to Miami on a trip to get away from the tension, according to TMZ. She added that she was calm during the conversation. In the audio, she can be heard asking for her keys and threatening to call the police.

The texts from Hounsou reportedly allowed the children to stay but insisted she leave, with plans to change the garage code and security system.

Arrest and Charges

Atlanta police executed the arrest warrant at the residence on 17 January 2026. Officers noted hearing the children crying as they approached the door. Simpson was charged with simple assault and obstruction, the latter for providing false information when confronted by officers.

She was booked into the Atlanta City Detention Center on battery - family violence charges and was subsequently released after posting a $2000 (£1482) bond.

On X, entertainment commentator Tasha K highlighted the story, asking if assault against men is taken seriously enough. No further comments have been made by either party's representatives as of now.

Who is Riza Simpson?

Riza Marie Simpson has maintained a relatively low public profile despite her long-term relationship with the Academy Award-nominated actor. They share two young children. Hounsou also has a 16-year-old son from his previous relationship with fashion designer and model Kimora Lee Simmons.

Simpson asserts Hounsou lacks authority to evict her from what she deems their shared residence, after which she retreated to her room and he reportedly slid her keys underneath before departing to file the police report.

As of 23 January 2026, the case remains ongoing, with no court date announced yet. Both parties are likely to seek privacy as the legal proceedings continue, though the public interest in this domestic dispute shows no sign of waning.