Haley Joel Osment, best known for his role as the child who saw "dead people" in the 1999 thriller "The Sixth Sense," was arrested earlier this month for public intoxication at a ski resort in Mammoth Lakes, California. The incident occurred on April 8, 2025, around 2 p.m. local time, when police were called to Mammoth Mountain resort regarding an allegedly intoxicated individual.
Upon their arrival, officers found the 37-year-old actor with members of the ski patrol. According to Sgt. Jason Heilman of the Mammoth Lakes Police Department, Osment was booked for public intoxication and possession of a controlled substance, which was sent to a lab for testing to identify the substance. He was released shortly after his arrest, and the decision on whether to prosecute the case now lies with the Mono County District Attorney.
Osment's recent troubles come on the heels of personal hardships, including the loss of his Altadena home in devastating wildfires that swept through the area earlier this year. Sources close to the actor revealed that he has been struggling with his insurance company, which allegedly denied his claim for a replacement home he found. "He’s been going through it recently," a source told TMZ, noting that he lost "everything" in the fire.
This is not Osment's first encounter with the law. In 2006, he faced legal issues after being involved in an alcohol-related single-vehicle crash. At that time, he pled no contest to charges of driving under the influence and possession of marijuana, resulting in a sentence that included three years of probation, 60 hours of rehabilitation, and six months of Alcoholics Anonymous meetings, along with a $1,500 fine.
In addition to his 2006 arrest, Osment had a public verbal altercation with American Airlines employees during Super Bowl Sunday in 2018, which also brought police to the scene. Despite these incidents, Osment has continued to find work in the entertainment industry, appearing in various films and television shows, including notable roles in "Entourage" and "The Boys."
Osment's recent arrest has sparked conversations about the pressures faced by former child stars. Many, like Osment, have struggled with the transition to adulthood under the public eye, often facing intense scrutiny and personal challenges. In a 2012 interview, he referred to his previous legal troubles as a "really, really serious lapse of judgment" and a lesson learned.
Following his 2006 incident, Osment took a step back from Hollywood, opting to attend New York University's Tisch School of the Arts. He later reflected on his time away from the limelight, expressing relief at escaping the aggressive tabloid culture of Los Angeles, which he described as "predatory" and "aggressive" during his younger years.
In light of his recent struggles, Osment has been residing with his sister, Emily Osment, who has been supportive during this difficult time. "Because I lost my house in the fires, I’ve been living with her for the past couple of months. She’s been very generous and helping me out there. She’s fantastic," he shared in a recent interview.
As Osment navigates these challenges, the entertainment industry continues to watch closely. His career, which began at a young age, has seen its share of ups and downs, but he remains a recognizable figure, particularly for his breakout role in "The Sixth Sense." The film, which grossed over $672 million worldwide, is often cited as a landmark in the horror genre, and Osment's performance is considered one of its highlights.
Osment's arrest serves as a reminder of the complexities faced by those who grow up in the public eye. As he confronts his current situation, fans and onlookers alike hope for his recovery and a return to form in both his personal life and professional career.
In the wake of his arrest, Osment's representatives have not publicly commented on the incident, leaving many questions unanswered. The outcome of the legal proceedings remains uncertain, but the actor's recent experiences highlight the ongoing struggles faced by many in Hollywood.
As the Mono County District Attorney prepares to make a decision regarding potential prosecution, the public will be watching closely. Osment's journey, marked by both triumph and tribulation, is a poignant reminder of the challenges that can accompany fame, especially for those who were thrust into the spotlight at a young age.
With his past experiences and current challenges, Osment's story continues to evolve, and fans hope to see him overcome these obstacles and find stability in the years to come.
