The actor known for roles in “Elf” and “Friday” was booked into a Tampa-area jail and held without bond.
TAMPA, Fla. — Actor and comedian Faizon Love was arrested Tuesday in Hillsborough County and booked into a Florida jail on two counts of contempt of court, according to jail records. The 58-year-old performer, known for roles in “Elf,” “Friday” and other films, was being held without bond.
Love’s arrest drew attention because of his long career in film and television and because it comes amid ongoing legal matters that have followed him in recent years. Authorities have not publicly released a detailed explanation of the allegations underlying the contempt charges. Reports tied the arrest to a paternity-related court matter, though officials had not publicly outlined the full circumstances as of Wednesday evening.
Records show Love was taken into custody June 16 in Hillsborough County and booked into the Orient Road Jail in the Tampa area. The actor’s booking listed two counts of contempt of court. Jail records indicated he was being held without bond. The arrest became public after media outlets reviewed booking information and reported details from court records. Representatives for Love did not immediately issue public statements after news of the arrest emerged. Love, who resides in California, has spent more than three decades in entertainment, appearing in comedy films and television projects beginning in the early 1990s. He is perhaps best known to mainstream audiences for portraying the manager of the Gimbels department store in the holiday comedy “Elf,” starring alongside Will Ferrell. His film credits also include “Friday,” “The Replacements,” “Made,” and “Couples Retreat.”
While the exact basis for the contempt allegations has not been fully detailed by authorities, reports indicated the case may be connected to a paternity proceeding. Court filings referenced in multiple reports show activity in a paternity-related matter in recent days, although public records reviewed by news organizations did not clearly explain how those filings relate to the arrest. Contempt charges generally arise when a court determines that an individual has failed to comply with an order or directive. Officials have not publicly described the specific order involved in Love’s case. No detailed affidavit outlining the allegations had been broadly released Wednesday, and attorneys connected to the matter had not publicly discussed the case. The lack of publicly available information left several questions unresolved, including what actions allegedly led to the charges and when the underlying events occurred.
The arrest also renewed attention on previous legal disputes involving the actor. In 2017, Love pleaded no contest to a misdemeanor charge stemming from an altercation with an airport valet in Ohio. The incident was captured on video and resulted in a suspended jail sentence and a financial penalty. More recently, Love faced allegations connected to an incident at a San Diego hotel in 2024. According to court filings in that matter, a hotel employee alleged that the actor became upset after learning that a room reservation could not be honored. Authorities later alleged that a credit card reader was thrown during the confrontation, causing injuries to a worker. Civil litigation followed, and the allegations generated significant media attention. Love’s representatives did not publicly address those accusations in detail, and legal proceedings related to the dispute continued through subsequent filings.
Procedurally, the focus now shifts to the court process tied to the contempt counts. Court records are expected to provide greater clarity about the allegations and the legal basis for the charges. Because Love was listed as being held without bond, future hearings could determine conditions of release and establish a schedule for additional proceedings. If the contempt allegations stem from an ongoing family-law matter, portions of the case may involve records that are not widely available to the public. Court officials had not announced a major public briefing regarding the arrest. Attorneys representing the parties involved are expected to have opportunities to address the allegations through filings and future hearings. Any determination regarding guilt, sanctions, or compliance with court orders would ultimately be made through the judicial process.
The news spread quickly across entertainment and social media circles, where many reactions focused on the contrast between Love’s comedic screen roles and the seriousness of his legal troubles. Fans remembered performances that helped establish him as a recognizable character actor in Hollywood comedies. Industry observers noted that the actor has maintained a presence in film projects for decades, even as legal controversies occasionally drew headlines away from his work. Publicly released booking photographs circulated widely after the arrest. Despite the attention, few substantive statements had emerged from people directly involved in the case. The absence of detailed comments from Love, his legal team, or court officials left much of the public discussion centered on the limited information available in booking and court records.
As of Wednesday night, Love remained listed in custody in Hillsborough County. Additional court proceedings are expected to provide more information about the contempt allegations and whether the actor will be released pending further hearings.
Author note: Last updated June 17, 2026.