Actor Michael Pitt Indicates He May Pursue Plea Deal in Abuse Case

Michael Pitt, known for roles on "Boardwalk Empire" and "Reptile," is under indictment for two counts of first-degree sexual abuse, several assault charges and second-degree strangulation related to alleged abuse of an ex-girlfriend in his Bushwick residence from April 2020 to August 2021. He entered a not-guilty plea and has been released on $15,000 bail since his May 2025 arrest. During a Tuesday hearing, his newly hired attorney Stephen McCarthy informed Judge Abena Darkeh that the defense intends to engage the district attorney under a proffer agreement to explore a plea deal, requesting an October hearing for negotiations.

The judge instructed both sides to be ready with a trial schedule if no agreement is reached by Oct. 20. Previously, the court denied Pitt’s motion to dismiss two counts and permitted him to keep his passport, citing his difficulty finding work amid the allegations. Prosecutors highlighted text messages and a video in which Pitt allegedly threatened the victim with a sledgehammer.