Haley Joel Osment may be seeing something other than dead people these days, like the inside of an AA meeting room instead of a jail cell. The Sixth Sense actor is avoiding time behind bars following his public intoxication and drug possession arrest earlier this year.
Osment was arrested on April 8 in Mammoth Lakes, California, and officially arraigned on Monday, June 2. While prosecutors reportedly objected due to his prior DUI and alleged use of racial slurs during the arrest, the judge ultimately granted Osment a one-year diversion program, PEOPLE confirmed.
Under the terms, Osment must attend at least three Alcoholics Anonymous meetings per week for six months, meet with a therapist twice a week, and remain law-abiding. If he successfully completes the program, all charges will be dropped. However, failure to meet the courtโs requirements means criminal proceedings could be reinstated. His next court date is scheduled for January 5, 2026, to review his progress.
Haley Joel Osment Faces Backlash After Avoiding Jail
The decision sparked backlash online, with many social media users slamming what they perceived as celebrity privilege. โSpecial treatment from the courts is cool,โ one commenter wrote sarcastically. Another user quipped, โI see dumb people,โ in a snarky reference to Osmentโs legendary line from 1999’s horror-mystery hit The Sixth Sense. “Fine lines these days of overreach and responsibilities ..and having your own fate,” another said. “This is an interesting subject.”
Haley Joel Osment got his start in Hollywood at just six years old, landing his first big role opposite Tom Hanks in Forrest Gump as the title characterโs young son. He quickly rose to fame for his breakout performance in The Sixth Sense, earning an Oscar nomination at age 11 for his haunting line, โI see dead people.โ
Following his arrest, Osment released a public apology on April 17, expressing deep regret over his behavior, particularly the language he used toward law enforcement. โIโm absolutely horrified by my behavior,โ he said in a statement. โHad I known I used this disgraceful language in the throes of a blackout, I would have spoken up sooner.”
He added, “The past few months of loss and displacement have broken me down to a very low emotional place. Thatโs no excuse for using this disgusting word. Iโve let the Jewish community down and it devastates me. I donโt ask for anyoneโs forgiveness, but I promise to atone for my terrible mistake.โ
While Osment appears committed to turning things around, the court of public opinion is still very much in session.
