Taryn Manning: I’m not crazy

Actress Taryn Manning has dismissed suggestions she has an "edgy" life following her legal issues last year (14).

The 36-year-old Orange is the New Black star was investigated by police after it was alleged she had violated a restraining order against her former friend Jeanine Heller. The entertainer was accused of stalking and threatening to kill Jeanine, but her attorney later explained the allegations had no foundation which is why they weren't taken any further by the court and the arrest was voided.

Taryn hopes people realise the public perception of her is different to the reality.

"People who actually know me . . . know I'm not just an edgy piece of s**t that does drugs and goes crazy," she told Page Six. "They know I'm an educated nice young woman with a honed [acting] skill."

In addition to her career in Hollywood, Taryn sings in successful electronic band Boomkat and she also the co-owner of fashion brand Born Uniqorn.

And while filming scenes for her Netflix show Orange is the New Black, Taryn insists none of her co-stars were even aware of the personal drama she was involved when arrested last year.

"Nobody knew I was going through that because I don't wear it on my sleeve," she said.

During an interview with Nylon magazine in July (15), Taryn spoke about all the things she gets up to in her free time.

And none of the activities she tends to occupy herself with of late seem nefarious.

"I am constantly writing—it is my outlet for downtime when I am not on the show or [have] days off," she told the publication. "It's my expression that helps me through good and bad times. My music has saved my life at times and made me feel whole again in times of despair or even when I'm the most happy.

"It's so fulfilling when a song is complete. To know that you accomplished that alone or with other people has to be for me one of the best feelings in the world. I have been talking about my album Freedom City coming out for a long time, but during recording it—which now, I am 64 songs in—I have changed directions. I have been inspired by other things, or life has just taken a turn—such as getting this show—and it's taken a moment. But when it does come out, it's going to be worth it. At least for me."