Haley Joel Osment: The Forgotten Scandal, The Slur, And His Quiet Career Transformation

The name Haley Joel Osment immediately conjures images of the iconic child star from The Sixth Sense, the young actor whose haunting performance earned him an Oscar nomination at just 11 years old. Yet, like many who find fame at an early age, his transition to adulthood was not without significant public turbulence. The most prominent shadow cast over his career remains the 2006 arrest and the subsequent revelation of his use of a deeply offensive slur.

As of December 11, 2025, Haley Joel Osment has successfully reinvented himself as a prolific and respected character actor, a quiet transformation that has largely sidestepped the intense media spotlight of his past. This article delves into the details of the controversy that threatened to derail his career and examines the strategic, low-key choices that allowed him to build a stable, mature career in Hollywood today.

Complete Biography and Profile of Haley Joel Osment

Haley Joel Osment is an American actor whose career spans over three decades, beginning in commercials before transitioning to film and television. His early work established him as one of the most talented actors of his generation, and he has since developed a diverse portfolio that includes major studio films, independent cinema, and extensive voice acting.

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• Full Name: Haley Joel Osment
• Date of Birth: April 10, 1988
• Place of Birth: Los Angeles, California, U.S.
• Occupation: Actor, Voice Actor
• Notable Early Roles: Forrest Gump, Jr. in Forrest Gump (1994), Cole Sear in The Sixth Sense (1999)
• Major Awards/Nominations: Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor (The Sixth Sense), Golden Globe nomination (The Sixth Sense)
• Voice Acting Signature Role: Sora in the Kingdom Hearts video game series (2002–Present)
• Sister: Emily Osment (actress, known for Hannah Montana and Young & Hungry)

After achieving global recognition with the famous line, "I see dead people," Osment took a hiatus from major film roles to attend New York University's Tisch School of the Arts, a move often cited as crucial to his successful transition away from the pressures of being a child star.

The 2006 Arrest and The Antisemitic Slur Controversy

The controversy surrounding the use of a slur dates back to the summer of 2006, a pivotal and tumultuous period in Osment's life. This event marked a major shift in his public image, moving him from respected former child star to a figure of tabloid scrutiny.

Details of the Incident and Legal Fallout

On July 21, 2006, Osment was involved in a single-car accident in La Cañada Flintridge, California. He was subsequently arrested and charged with driving under the influence (DUI) and misdemeanor drug possession, specifically marijuana.

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The core of the "slur" controversy emerged from body camera footage and police reports following his arrest. During his interaction with the arresting officers, Osment was recorded using an antisemitic slur. He also reportedly called one of the police officers a "Nazi."

The incident quickly became a national news story, a stark contrast to the innocent, sensitive roles he was known for in films like A.I.: Artificial Intelligence and Pay It Forward.

Osment's Apology and Explanation

Following the public exposure of the footage and his inflammatory comments, Osment issued a groveling apology. He expressed deep regret and horror over his actions, attributing the disgraceful language to his state of intoxication.

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In a statement, he claimed he was "in the throes of a blackout" when he used the Jewish slur, emphasizing that his behavior was a terrible mistake that did not reflect his true character or values.

The actor eventually pleaded no contest to the charges of DUI and drug possession. He was sentenced to three years probation, required to attend an alcohol rehabilitation program, and ordered to attend Alcoholics Anonymous meetings, effectively putting a temporary brake on his mainstream Hollywood career.

From Child Star to Character Actor: Osment's Quiet Transformation

The period immediately following the 2006 arrest saw Osment step back from the spotlight, focusing on his education and selecting smaller, more challenging roles that allowed him to shed the image of the precocious child star. This deliberate shift into more mature, often quirky or villainous roles has defined his second act in Hollywood.

Embracing Adult and Mature Roles

Osment's career transformation involved choosing projects that were often dark, independent, or comedic, allowing him to demonstrate his range without the pressure of a major blockbuster lead. He successfully transitioned into adult roles, taking on characters that were far removed from the innocence of Cole Sear.

Key adult-oriented roles that helped redefine his public perception include:

• Tusk (2014): A horror film that showcased his willingness to take on bizarre, unconventional projects.
• Sex Ed (2014): A comedy that allowed him to explore more raunchy and mature themes.
• Entourage (2015): A role in the film adaptation where he played a brash, entitled studio executive.
• Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile (2019): Playing a co-worker of Zac Efron's character, a supporting role that demonstrated his comfort in ensemble casts.

The Enduring Power of Voice Acting

One of the most stable and successful aspects of Osment's career has been his consistent work as a voice actor. This medium allows him to maintain a high level of professional engagement without the constant visual scrutiny of being on-screen, a perfect fit for his desire for a lower profile.

His most significant voice role is as Sora and the villain Vanitas in the globally popular Kingdom Hearts video game franchise, a role he has held since 2002.

Haley Joel Osment's Most Recent and Upcoming Projects (2020-2025)

The ultimate proof of Osment's successful career transformation is his steady stream of work in the 2020s, demonstrating that the controversy of his past has not prevented him from securing roles in high-profile and diverse projects. His recent filmography is a testament to his status as a reliable character actor.

The following list highlights some of his most notable recent and upcoming projects, showcasing the breadth of his topical authority in the industry:

Recent and Upcoming Film/TV Roles:

• Death of a Telemarketer (2021): Starring as Jim / Dean, a dark comedy role.
• Somebody I Used to Know (2023): A supporting role in the romantic comedy, demonstrating his versatility.
• Drugstore June (2024): An anticipated role in this comedy film.
• Blink Twice (2024): Appearing in the directorial debut of Zoë Kravitz, a thriller that places him in a major studio production again.
• Long Lonesome Highway: The Story of Michael Parks (2025): A documentary project, showing his interest in film history.
• The Kominsky Method: A recurring role on the acclaimed Netflix series.
• Future Man: A main cast role in the Hulu comedy series, which ran from 2017 to 2020.
• The Devil Has a Name (2019): A supporting role in the dramatic thriller.

By focusing on consistent, quality work and avoiding the trap of chasing his childhood fame, Haley Joel Osment has quietly but firmly established a second, more stable career. While the 2006 incident and the use of the antisemitic slur remain a permanent part of his biography, his current professional life is defined by resilience and an impressive body of work as a mature, versatile performer.