Mike Smith, widely recognized for his role as Bubbles in “Trailer Park Boys,” faces a sexual assault charge in Canada. The accusation emerged from an alleged incident in December 2017.
Smith, 54, was charged in Halifax, Nova Scotia, on October 2. The charge relates to an alleged assault that took place in Dartmouth.
A court order currently restricts Smith from communicating with the alleged victim. He is also prohibited from visiting their school, workplace, or home.
In response to the accusation, the “Trailer Park Boys” team confirmed that Smith has “stepped aside” from his position. He was previously the CEO of their production company, Trailer Park Boys Inc.
Trailer Park Boys Inc. released a statement acknowledging the 2017 accusation. The company stated it takes such matters very seriously, recognizing the difficulty for all involved. They added they would not comment further out of respect for the legal process.
Smith has portrayed Bubbles across more than 100 episodes of “Trailer Park Boys” since its 2001 debut. He also reprised the role in four spin-off films and “Trailer Park Boys: The Animated Series.”
Reports from April indicated that Smith and other veteran cast members were set to reunite for Season 13 after a seven-year hiatus. A representative for Trailer Park Boys Inc. affirmed that production remains “focused on delivering the long-awaited Season 13 for our fans.” This statement was made despite Smith’s new legal challenges.
This is not Smith’s first encounter with legal issues. He was previously arrested in Los Angeles in April 2016 on suspicion of misdemeanor domestic violence.
He was released several hours later after posting a $20,000 bail. Smith was accused of cornering a friend, Georgia Ling, against a wall during an argument.
Smith adamantly denied those 2016 accusations. He stated that he and Ling had a loud, heated argument, but he never assaulted her. He maintained his innocence against the misdemeanor charge.
Following that 2016 arrest, Lucy DeCoutere, Smith’s longtime co-star, announced her departure from “Trailer Park Boys.” DeCoutere had been part of the cast since 2001.
DeCoutere stated in April 2016 that she removes abusive people from her life. She later clarified there was “no ill will” between her and the cast.
Georgia Ling, the alleged victim in the 2016 case, also issued a statement in April 2016 denying any abuse. She expressed sadness over the reporting and police handling of the incident.
Ling stated she never felt she was in danger and did not call the police herself. The police were called by others who misinterpreted the argument, she said. Officers arrested Smith despite her assurances that there was no problem.
The Los Angeles City Attorney’s Office confirmed in May 2016 that no charges would be filed against Smith in that case. This decision was made due to insufficient evidence.