NEWS
Madelyn Cline recalled Spanish police mistaking her for a ‘madam’ while she filmed ‘Day Drinker’ in Madrid.
Aug. 15 2026, Published 6:00 a.m. ET
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Madelyn Cline discussed the unusual Madrid police encounter on Jake Shane’s ‘Therapuss’ podcast.
The actress explained that she was the only person staying at the apartment while filming the upcoming movie Day Drinker. Cline then recalled how the bizarre situation began.
“Did I tell you the story about how when I was in Spain, I was working, and the police kept showing up to my apartment door?” she asked.
Cline said the officers appeared to believe she was in charge of the operation they were investigating.
“They thought I was the the leader,” she said.
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Madelyn Cline Recalled Police Showing Up at Her Apartment
Madelyn Cline recalled police repeatedly visiting the Madrid apartment where she stayed during filming.
The actress said the encounters left her confused as the officers spoke to her in Spanish and repeatedly asked for her documents. Cline eventually told Penélope Cruz, her Day Drinker costar, about the strange visits, explaining that the police kept showing up and would “take my passport and my information.”
“She was asking me how I liked living in Madrid,” Cline said of Cruz.
Cline continued, “I was telling her, ‘I love it so much, but I have to move out of my apartment because the police keep showing up.’ I’m really scared, and they keep talking to me in Spanish, and I’m trying to translate, but I don’t know how.”
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Penélope Cruz Helped Madelyn Cline Understand What Was Happening
Madelyn Cline explained how Penélope Cruz helped her understand the criminal investigation linked to her Madrid building.
However, Cruz, who previously lived in the same area, began asking questions about the building. Cline said Cruz learned more after receiving a call from an old neighbor. According to the Outer Banks star, Cruz explained that authorities had tracked a local crime ring connected to the building.
“They were coming to my apartment directly, and I found out later that it was some s– ring,” Cline stated.
She continued, “They thought it was me leading it. They thought I was the madam of it.”
The misunderstanding explained why police repeatedly approached Cline despite her having no connection to the activity they were investigating.
Madelyn Cline Joked About Her Unexpected Madrid Experience
Madelyn Cline reflected on the misunderstanding that led Spanish police to believe she was connected to a local crime ring.
Cline made clear that she had no judgment toward s– workers but wanted to emphasize that she was not involved in the operation authorities were investigating.
“They thought that I was their fearless leader,” she said.
Cline continued, “I was a fearful leader. I was accidentally elected.”
