Standing outside a Canadian courtroom Thursday, actor Randy Quaid provided some insight into his recent behavior.

His attorney in Canada, meanwhile, said that Randy and his wife, Evi, intend to follow the law in both the United States and Canada, and if the law requires that he make a court appearance here in Santa Barbara, he will.

But back to what Quaid told a gathering of media this week.

Randy Quaid
SBSO

“We are not criminals, nor are we fugitives from justice, nor are we crazy,” said Quaid, who has acted in such films as Independence Day and Brokeback Mountain. “We are simply artists being racketeered on.”

He claimed that he and his wife have been the victims of criminal activities perpetrated by a small network of individuals who have manipulated the banking and criminal justice systems. He cited a “monstrous ring of accountants, estate planners, and lawyers who are mercilessly slandering me, trying to kill my career, and I believe murder me.”

Indeed, he said, eight actors — all close friends or people he has worked with — have died mysteriously or suddenly in recent years. “I believe these actors were whacked,” he said. He added later, however, that he felt safe in Canada.

A reporter noted that all of the people died of natural causes or killed themselves, but Quaid didn’t respond to the question, nor did his attorney, Catherine Sas, who was later asked by a reporter: “Do you understand how paranoid and delusional your client sounds?” She did not comment.

The Quaids each face a felony vandalism charge and trespassing. Evi Quaid also faces a resisting arrest charge and probation violation, stemming to her no contest plea to defrauding an innkeeper from last year. The two were allegedly squatting in an East Mountain Drive house they at one time owned and apparently believe they still own.

The two posted their $500,000 bail, according to Sas, and will comply with the law. Evi Quaid is apparently a citizen of Canada, while Randy Quaid may pursue a refugee status there. He could also pursue work permits or permanent residential status. Sas said she is in contact with the couple’s U.S. attorney, and over the next few days the group will “strategize what the best options are for the Quaids both in the U.S. and in Canada.”

The couple is scheduled to be in court this Tuesday morning for arraignment.

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