Dustin Lance Black & Tom Daley 'Grateful' After Assault Case Dismissal

Dustin Lance Black, best known for writing films like 2008’s Milk, 2011’s J. Edgar, and 2023’s Rustin, had been charged with assault after an alleged altercation with TV host Teddy Edwardes at a club in London back in August 2022. The screenwriter was accused of grabbing Edwardes’ hand and prompting a drink to spill on her.

On Wednesday, November 8, charges against Black were dismissed. District Judge Louisa Cieciora determined that not enough evidence was shown in order to “properly convict” the Academy Award-winning writer.

Black’s husband, Olympic diver Tom Daley, was also due in order based on evidence that had been presented in the case. But with the dismissal of the case, neither Black nor Daley had to take the stand. Black told Variety right after the charges were dropped:

“This is a moment of exoneration. This case has flown in the face of everything I am, and I am grateful to the judge for exonerating me.”

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Black also released a statement to the press that read:

“I am pleased that the judge saw the truth today and ruled in my favor. As the evidence has proven, and I have always maintained, I am completely innocent, and in fact was the victim in this case of a serious assault. I am relieved this unfortunate matter is now over.”

Besides his string of critically acclaimed biopics, Black is also known for writing TV shows like When We Rise, Under the Banner of Heaven, and Big Love. In 2019, he also published the memoir Mama’s Boy: A Story from Our Americas.

As awards season kicks in high gear, Black is expected to be promoting Rustin for Oscars consideration. However, these pending charges were making that a bit more complicated.

Fortunately, Black has now been cleared of these charges and can move forward with his ever-growing writing career.