14 DAY TRIAL // Actor Sam Worthington was taken into police custody over an incident that occurred at 5:30 PM on Sunday, February 23 in Greenwich Village, New York.
According to TMZ, the “Avatar” actor allegedly punched a paparazzo by the name of Sheng Li in the face, as a response to the fact that he had kicked his girlfriend in the shin. The information was given by NYPD Detective Kellyan Ort.
After the incident, the actor was charged with assault and was issued with a ticket to appear in court at a later date. Based on eyewitness accounts, it looks like Worthington and his girlfriend Lara Bingle were walking out of a bar in Greenwich Village when Li inexplicably attacked Bingle.
This triggered an immediate response from Worthington who jumped to her defense and swiftly punched the man in the face. The paparazzo was also charged by police officers for reckless endangerment, assault and harassment. At the moment, he is still in police custody.
Reports indicate that that no one was hospitalized after this double attack occurred. Sam and Lara have been sparking marriage rumors after they were spotted last month wearing matching rings in Sydney.
The Australian Daily Telegraph reports that Sam apparently shouted “You kicked my wife” at the photographer, indicating that the couple has indeed taken the necessary steps for a marriage ceremony.
This isn't the first time Worthington is arrested for assault. In November 2012, he was taken into police custody for an incident that took place outside an Atlanta restaurant. At the time, Sam was refused entry into the restaurant because security said “he looked homeless.”
Worthington was clearly offended and pushed the doorman twice, saying he was a DEA agent. This triggered the doorman to spray him with pepper spray and then handcuff him until police arrived. He was charged with disorderly conduct.