NYPD Blue star Kim Delaney claims to judge she fled crash scene over fears tied to her celebrity status

Former NYPD Blue star Kim Delaney is pushing back against claims that she was intoxicated during a 2022 traffic collision.

In newly filed court documents, obtained by TMZ, the star, 64, insisted that she left the scene out of concern for her personal safety.

According to the filings, Delaney denied allegations made by motorcyclist Dzhamal Badalov, who is suing the actress for unspecified damages stemming from a November 2022 crash in Los Angeles.

Badalov alleges Delaney rear-ended his motorcycle, appeared intoxicated, and left the scene before police arrived.

In her response, Delaney disputes those claims and denies being under the influence at the time of the incident. 

While she acknowledged leaving before law enforcement arrived, the actress maintained that her decision was driven by fear, citing that she was 'surrounded by several people.'

Additionally, she referenced a 'previous history of personal assault in this neighborhood.' 

She further stated that her public profile heightened concerns about potential retaliation or attack due to her 'perceived celebrity status.'

The Daily Mail has reached out to  Delaney's representatives, but has not heard back, at this time.

Badalov, in his lawsuit, alleges Delaney had been driving erratically prior to the collision and claims she smelled of alcohol after the crash. 

He also alleges she attempted to offer him money to dissuade him from contacting police - an allegation Delaney has denied.

In her filing, the actress contends that the accident was caused by third parties outside of her control and rejects all assertions of wrongdoing.

Court records related to the case indicate that Delaney was later ordered to complete 50 hours of community service and participate in a Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) program in connection with the alleged incident, according to reports. 

The legal dispute comes amid renewed attention on Delaney’s personal life. 

Last month, her estranged husband, James Morgan, was arrested following multiple calls for service related to a noise complaint and verbal disturbance at a Marina del Rey apartment complex, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. 

Authorities allege Morgan was taken into custody after recorded phone calls and an alleged refusal to cooperate with deputies.

The couple, who are currently in the process of divorcing, were previously involved in a high-profile domestic incident. 

In a separate altercation last year, both Delaney and Morgan were arrested after accusing one another of misconduct during a dispute at their home. 

Prosecutors later declined to file charges, citing insufficient evidence, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office confirmed at the time.

Delaney rose to fame in the 1990s for her Emmy-winning portrayal of Detective Diane Russell on NYPD Blue, a role that earned widespread critical acclaim for its depiction of addiction and personal struggle. 

She later appeared on All My Children, Army Wives, CSI: Miami, and Philly, among other television projects.

The performer shares son, Jack Cortese, 36, with ex-husband Joe Cortese.