Emile Hirsch Checks Into Rehab After Ugly Incident At Sundance

Published on February 13, 2015.

Photo By: Lev Radin/Everett Collection

Emile Hirsch has announced a stint at a drug and alcohol rehabilitation center after his unfortunate, criminal incident at the Sundance Film Festival.

For those who are not in the know, Emile got really drunk at a Sundance party, and became quite belligerent while in conversation with Paramout Studios executive, Daniele “Dani” Bernfeld. He is alleged to have threatened Dani, telling her she was just a rich kid who didn’t belong at Sundance.

The 31 year old Paramount executive took exception to Emile’s verbal barrage by wisely walking away from the conversation. It was then–according to Dani, and witnesses–that Emile came up behind her, put her in a choke hold, pulled her to the ground across a table and proceeded to choke her.

Folks. That’s when you know you have a problem with alcohol. Even if you don’t drink on the regular, and alcohol leads you to such behavior, you may need to find a better way to enjoy recreational leisure.

So. Emile has been charged with felony assault, and could face up to five years in prison. Methinks he’ll get a slap on the wrist, and have to offer some restitution. In the meantime, he has checked himself into a treatment facility so he can get off the sauce. According to sources close to the actor, he has been struggling with an alcohol problem for quite some time.

According to witnesses, Emile was cooperative with the police after the incident, but the following day remembered none of what happened. Once sober, he was reportedly embarrassed and horrified at the accounts of his intoxication, and immediately began searching for treatment options.