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Ugly Betty star Eric Mabius hit with brutal 9-word question by cops as he 'pulls celebrity card'

Eric Mabius, who played Daniel Meade in Ugly Betty, was arrested last week after an incident outside a bar in Florida. Police body cam footage has now emerged of the arrest

Eric Mabius was interrogated by Florida police
Eric Mabius was interrogated by Florida police(Image: (Image: Nassau County Sheriff's Office))

Eric Mabius, best known for his role as Daniel Meade in the ABC comedy-drama Ugly Betty, was arrested last week in Florida after a bar incident escalated into a confrontation with law enforcement.


The actor attempted to draw on his television background during the arrest but was quickly shut down with a direct, unsympathetic remark from deputies. According to body cam footage obtained by TMZ, Mabius brought up his on-screen experience as he was being detained by Nassau County Sheriff’s deputies.

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In the footage, he appears to try to establish some common ground based on the types of characters he’s played. “You know what’s so funny, I play characters like you in movies all the time. I do … I get paid money,” Mabius told the officers.

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The deputies, however, weren’t moved by the reference. One officer responded by glancing at a visible injury on Mabius’ face and asking a blunt, nine-word question: “None of your movies taught you how to fight?”

Eric Mabius was interrogated by Florida police
Eric Mabius was interrogated by Florida police(Image: (Image: Nassau County Sheriff's Office))

Mabius, 53, was arrested for battery and resisting a law enforcement officer without violence.


The events leading up to the arrest reportedly began inside a local bar, though specific details about what sparked the alleged confrontation have not been disclosed.

In addition to his work on Ugly Betty, Mabius has played various law enforcement roles across his career.

He portrayed a small-town sheriff in Hallmark’s Welcome to Christmas, and has guest-starred on procedural dramas such as Chicago Fire, Blue Bloods, and CSI: Miami.


It’s believed he was referencing these roles when trying to connect with the deputies at the scene.

Despite his attempt to bridge the gap using his acting background, the exchange had little effect on how officers handled the situation.

Mabius was taken into custody without further incident and placed in the back of a patrol vehicle. He did not appear to resist once in handcuffs.


So far, Mabius has not released a statement or spoken publicly about the arrest. It remains unclear whether formal charges will be filed or if the case will move forward.

The footage paints a picture of an actor trying to use familiarity from screen roles to ease a tense moment, only for it to fall flat. The deputy’s blunt response highlighted that, in this situation, his Hollywood experience didn’t carry any weight.

One deputy retorted with a pointed nine-word question: "None of your movies taught you how to fight?". This comment was made after deputies observed Mabius had a visible injury to his face, including a noticeable black eye, reports the Express US.


The 53 year old actor was arrested on charges of battery and resisting a law enforcement officer without violence. The incident reportedly began after a heated argument inside a local bar. Specific details about what led to the confrontation have not been disclosed.

Mabius has portrayed various roles in law enforcement on-screen, including a town sheriff in the Hallmark film Welcome to Christmas and appearances on shows like Chicago Fire, Blue Bloods, and CSI: Miami.

Currently, there is no news on whether formal charges will be filed.

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