Beloved Soap Star Allegedly Hit Child In the Face Before Arrest, Court Docs Claim

New court documents are shedding more light on the incident that led to the recent arrest of former soap star Brenda Dickson.

According to legal filings obtained by TMZ on Monday, August 3, a man named Richard Chamberlin has filed for a civil harassment restraining order against the 77-year-old actress, alleging she physically and verbally confronted his young daughter during a dispute at the apartment building where they both live.

In the filing, Chamberlin claims Dickson struck his daughter, Isabella, in the face and chest during an alleged July 8 altercation. He also alleges that she bumped the child with trash bags, made threatening remarks, and verbally harassed both his family and another resident.

The court documents state that Chamberlin works as a property maintenance employee and rents a unit in the same building as the former The Young and the Restless star. Along with seeking protection for himself, he asked the court to include Isabella, another tenant, and even the family’s dog in the requested restraining order. Apparently, it’s something that’s been happening for months.

Despite the allegations, the outlet notes that the court declined to immediately issue the restraining order. According to the filing, the request was denied for now because the submitted paperwork did not sufficiently demonstrate that Dickson had committed violence, threatened violence, or caused substantial emotional distress. A hearing has been scheduled for August 24, where the matter will be revisited.

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Dickson rose to fame after originating the role of Jill Foster Abbott on The Young and the Restless, a role she starred in from 1973 to 1980 before returning for another run from 1983 to 1987. She later appeared in series including Falcon Crest and Love, American Style.

In her 2013 memoir, My True Hidden Hollywood Story, Dickson alleged she was blacklisted from Hollywood following her departure from the soap, claiming the setback left her broke and homeless. 

If you suspect child abuse, call the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-Child or 1-800-422-4453, or visit their website.