William Levy, the Cuban-American actor known for his roles in popular telenovelas like Café con Aroma de Mujer, is making headlines for all the wrong reasons. The 44-year-old star was arrested in Weston, Florida—a city located just outside Miami—on the night of April 14 after an alleged drunken outburst at a local restaurant escalated into a series of legal troubles. Levy, who once dominated magazine covers and red carpets, found himself spending the night behind bars.
What Led to William Levy’s Arrest?
A Night Out Turns Unruly
According to arrest records from the Broward County Sheriff’s Office, William Levy was arrested late Monday night after a confrontation at an Argentinian restaurant in Weston. The actor was reportedly out with a group of friends, many of whom were parents of his teenage son Christopher’s schoolmates. What was supposed to be a casual dinner turned chaotic when Levy allegedly offered drinks to over 100 patrons at the venue.
Witnesses say that when the bill arrived, far higher than expected, Levy refused to pay. An argument with the restaurant’s staff ensued, which quickly escalated into a public disturbance. According to sources, when a third party tried to intervene and de-escalate the situation, Levy reportedly shoved the individual, prompting the restaurant to eject him from the premises.
Returning to Retrieve His Phone
Things didn’t end there. After being asked to leave, Levy realized he had left his phone inside the restaurant. He re-entered the premises without permission, leading restaurant staff to call the police. Officers from the Broward County Sheriff’s Office arrived and detained him on the spot.
He was charged with two offenses: public intoxication and disorderly conduct, as well as criminal trespassing for entering the restaurant after being asked to leave. These incidents landed him in the Broward County Jail, where he remained overnight before appearing in court the following afternoon.
Legal Consequences and Court Appearance
Bail Set at $500
Despite initial reports suggesting he might not be granted bail, William Levy was released after paying a $500 bond—$250 for each charge. The court appearance lasted only a minute, during which Levy stood beside his attorney and was granted release until his next hearing.
What’s Next for William Levy?
The charges he faces, though considered misdemeanors, are serious. In Florida, public intoxication and disorderly conduct can carry penalties including up to 60 days in jail and a $500 fine. The charge of trespassing on private property also holds legal weight and could result in additional consequences depending on how the court rules in the upcoming trial.
William Levy’s Mugshot Goes Public
The Broward County Sheriff’s Office has released a mugshot of William Levy, which quickly went viral across social media platforms. In the image, Levy appears disheveled, wearing a yellow t-shirt, with puffy eyes and a serious expression. The photo has sparked a flurry of public reactions—some sympathetic, others critical—reflecting the mixed feelings of fans who have followed his career over the past two decades.
William Levy’s Career: From Humble Beginnings to Hollywood
Early Life in Cuba
Born William Gutiérrez-Levy in Cojímar, a coastal town near Havana, Cuba, Levy grew up in challenging conditions. Raised by his mother and stepfather, Levy has spoken openly about his difficult childhood, including periods of hunger and economic hardship. At the age of 15, he immigrated to the United States with his family, despite not knowing English.
Athletic Talent and Education
Levy excelled in sports, particularly baseball, which earned him an athletic scholarship to attend college. However, his striking appearance—tall, blond, blue-eyed, and chiseled—soon caught the attention of modeling agencies. He transitioned from sports to modeling, paving the way for his entry into the entertainment industry.
Rise to Fame
William Levy gained popularity after appearing on reality shows like Protagonistas de Novela 2 and La Isla de las Tentaciones on Telemundo. His breakout roles in Spanish-language telenovelas like Sortilegio, Triunfo del Amor, and Cuidado con el Ángel made him a household name among Hispanic audiences.
In 2011, he gained further attention in the U.S. by starring in Jennifer Lopez’s steamy “I’m Into You” music video. He also competed in Season 14 of Dancing with the Stars, where he became a fan favorite and finished in third place.
A Career Slump and Recent Work
Montecristo and Return to Telenovelas
Despite his early momentum, Levy’s career in Hollywood has been relatively quiet in recent years. His most notable project in 2023 was the miniseries Montecristo, which generated some buzz but failed to reach mainstream success. Following that, Levy returned to his telenovela roots, starring in nearly 100 episodes of the Mexican drama Vuelve a Mí between 2023 and 2024.
Projects on the Horizon
Levy is reportedly attached to three upcoming film and television projects, although details remain scarce. Whether or not his recent arrest will impact these ventures remains to be seen.
Personal Life: Divorce and Family
Long-Term Relationship with Elizabeth Gutiérrez
William Levy’s personal life has also been in the spotlight. He was in a long-term relationship with actress Elizabeth Gutiérrez, whom he met on a reality show. The couple was together for over 20 years and have two children—Christopher, 19, and Kailey, 15.
In May 2024, it was publicly confirmed that Levy and Gutiérrez had officially separated. The couple had experienced multiple breakups and reconciliations over the years, but this time, the split appears permanent.
Public Reaction to the Arrest
Fans Divided
Fans of the actor are divided. While some express concern for his well-being and hope he can bounce back from this troubling incident, others are more critical, arguing that Levy’s actions reflect a pattern of irresponsibility. The controversy has reignited conversations about celebrity accountability, particularly when public figures get into legal trouble.
Silence from His PR Team
As of now, William Levy’s representatives have not responded to media requests for comments. The silence has only fueled speculation and curiosity around the incident.
Media Coverage and Social Buzz
Viral Moment for the Wrong Reasons
William Levy’s arrest has become a trending topic on social media platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok. Hashtags like #WilliamLevyArrested and #LevyMugshot have attracted thousands of posts, memes, and debates. Major Spanish-language outlets such as People en Español and El País have extensively covered the incident, while U.S. media outlets are starting to pick up the story.
Can William Levy Bounce Back?
The Road to Redemption
It remains unclear how this arrest will affect William Levy’s acting career. While Hollywood is no stranger to comeback stories, Levy’s next moves will be crucial. Will he lie low, or will he issue a public apology and attempt to clear his name?
Industry Experts Weigh In
Some entertainment analysts believe Levy’s situation is salvageable, especially if he addresses the incident head-on and seeks help, if needed. Others argue that repeated missteps could permanently damage his reputation, particularly in an industry that is becoming more sensitive to issues of public behavior and accountability.
A Turning Point for William Levy?
William Levy’s arrest in Florida marks a significant and troubling moment in the life of an actor who once captured the hearts of millions. Whether this incident is a minor misstep or a sign of deeper issues remains to be seen. What is certain, however, is that all eyes are now on Levy—not for a new role or red carpet appearance, but to see how he handles this very public fall from grace.
As the legal process unfolds, fans, critics, and industry insiders alike will be watching closely to see whether William Levy can turn things around, reclaim his career, and perhaps even reshape his legacy.