Edward Furlong having a rough time, committed

Sep 30, 2009, 12:01 GMT

Edward Furlong and Natasha Lyonne -Edward Furlong was sectioned after threatening to commit suicide, his estranged wife has claimed. © Albert L. Ortega / PR Photos

Edward Furlong was sectioned after threatening to commit suicide, his estranged wife has claimed.

Rachael Kneeland - who is in the process of divorcing the 31-year-old actor - has been granted a temporary restraining order against the actor, after complaining his drug use is out of control and he has become violent towards her.

Papers filed in Los Angeles superior court asking for a permanent order said: "Edward's drug use has escalated along with attacking me and threatening my life."

According to the documents, Rachael says that on September 23, Edward "grabbed me, bruised me, pushed me... left messages saying he would hire people to come and beat me with chains and bats. He is smoking cocaine and doing other various drugs. He is very unpredictable."

Edward then allegedly sent more than 20 threatening messages to her, and was in "lockdown after threatening suicide and I called 911".

A temporary order, forbidding the star from going within 100 yards of his estranged spouse, was granted on September 25, with a full hearing set to take place on October 20.

A spokesperson for the 'Terminator 2: Judgement Day' actor - who has a three-year-old-son, Ethan, with Rachael - said he plans to fight the ruling, insisting the allegations are false.

The representative said: "Mr. Furlong vehemently denies all allegations that have been made and is currently working with his legal team to have this temporary restraining order extinguished. Unfortunately, the two parties are going through a very contentious divorce and custody battle. Eddie's main concern is his son, Ethan, and moving forward with his life.

"Eddie has been sober for more than five years and is preparing to begin production on a new film."

A friend of the star - who is due to start filming 'The Green Hornet' later this week - denied he is using drugs but claims the split is taking its toll.

The pal said: "He has gotten really upset - anybody would. We're trying to get him back to a place where he's calming down and talking to everybody."

Rachael, 25, filed for divorce in July, citing irreconcilable differences.

The couple married in April 2006 after they met on the set of independent movie 'Jimmy and Judy'.

Keen animal rights activist Edward - who shot to fame aged 13 - has a history of alcohol and substance abuse problems and has had several stints in rehab.