Star reveals they have no plans to tighten up security for this type of events

Jun 4, 2014 07:35 GMT  ·  By
Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt at the “Maleficent” premiere where Brad was attacked by Vitalii Sediuk
   Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt at the “Maleficent” premiere where Brad was attacked by Vitalii Sediuk

At the Hollywood premiere of Disney’s “Maleficent,” in which Angelina Jolie plays the title character, Brad Pitt came too close for comfort with a man who tried to jump over the barrier to give him what is known as a “crotch hug.” Despite the brawl that ensued and the scare, Jolie says she and her fiancé have no plans to tighten security for this type of events.

The man was not a fan of the Brangelina couple who had gotten too carried away at the sight of Brad, his idol, coming his way signing autographs. He was Vitalii Sediuk, a “journalist” from Ukraine best known for this kind of pranks that he always pulls on celebrities.

This time, it didn’t work with Pitt’s bodyguards, as they pulled him over the barrier when they realized his intention, and, in the process, because he was still trying to touch Brad, he hit him in the face, knocking off his designer sunglasses.

Sediuk has been charged with battery and unlawful activity at a public event and pled no contest to both. He’s been sentenced to community work, a small fine, and had his probation extended. More importantly, he was informed there was now a lifetime ban for him at all Hollywood events with a red carpet ceremony.

The other day, he gave his first interview since the incident and pretty much claimed that he was innocent, that he had meant no harm and that Pitt’s bodyguards overreacted, which also translated into making him hit the actor in the face without even realizing it.

Whether he meant anything with the prank or not, he will most definitely not pull a similar one on Pitt or any other celebrity because of the ban. Jolie says that she and her fiancé will not let this isolated incident change their plans for future red carpet events, BANG Showbiz informs.

“People like that are an exception to the rule. Most fans are just wonderful. We've had a wonderful experience over the years, and we're very grateful for their support, and it will not change the way we behave,” she says.

She also praised Brad for being a “strong man” in the way he handled the attacker and especially the incident itself. We’re assuming she’s referring to the fact that he didn’t let the upsetting incident ruin the experience for the other fans and that he continued with his red carpet duties after Sediuk was cuffed and escorted off the premises.

As for the way he handled the attacker, Brad issued a statement yesterday on the topic, saying that, when he noticed Sediuk had latched himself on his lapels and would not let go, he “cracked him twice in the back of the head.” He says he didn’t hit him too hard, just hard enough to get him to let go.

Pitt also described Sediuk as a “nutter” that nearly ruined the experience for all those true fans who had waited for hours to catch a glimpse of their favorite star, or maybe even get a photo or an autograph.