American actor Faizon Love, recognised by British audiences for his roles in popular comedies such as 'Elf' and 'Couples Retreat', was arrested in Tampa, Florida, on Tuesday. The 58-year-old was booked into the Hillsborough County jail, facing two counts of contempt of court and criminal contempt of court.
Arrest records indicate that a warrant for Love's arrest was issued last month. These charges are understood to be connected to a child support case that originated in 2019. Love is currently being held without bond, according to the official records. His attorney in the child support matter confirmed the arrest but refrained from disclosing further details.
Love's acting career spans several decades, with notable appearances including his role as the Gimbels department store manager in the 2003 Christmas hit 'Elf', starring alongside Will Ferrell. He also played Shane in the 2009 comedy 'Couples Retreat', a film which saw him portray a recently divorced man on a tropical therapy resort. Additionally, he lent his voice to the character Sean “Sweet” Johnson in the video game 'Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas'.
This is not the first time Love has encountered legal difficulties. In March 2017, he was arrested in Columbus, Ohio, following an altercation with a valet at John Glenn Columbus International Airport. Video footage at the time appeared to show him assaulting the valet. He later pleaded no-contest to a misdemeanour assault charge, resulting in a $500 fine and a 180-day suspended jail sentence.
More recently, Love has been facing a felony assault charge in San Diego, stemming from an alleged incident with a hotel clerk in August 2023. Prosecutors claim Love threw a credit card reader, striking the employee. He has pleaded not guilty to assault with a deadly weapon, with a trial scheduled for August this year. A judge is set to consider next month whether he can enter a pre-trial Mental Health Diversion programme.
Furthermore, Love has been involved in civil lawsuits. In 2018, a former personal assistant sued him, alleging sexual harassment, a case which was later settled. Another former personal assistant filed a similar lawsuit in 2022, alleging sexual harassment during her employment at his Georgia home. These incidents highlight a history of legal challenges for the actor.
Source: NBC 7