Photographer Claims He Was Attacked By 'Avatar' Actor Sam Worthington's Girlfriend
NEW YORK(CBSNewYork) -- Most people know actor Sam Worthington from blockbuster movies like "Avatar" and "Clash Of The Titans". In his films Worthington typically plays the hero, but he has been called a villain in a real-life drama playing out in court.
A member of the paparazzi alleged that the actor's girlfriend should be arrested for attacking him, CBS 2's Alice Gainer reported.
Photographer Sheng Li appeared in court on Tuesday with new video from the February scuffle.
The video begins with Australian model Lara Bingle walking toward the camera just before, what sounds like some sort of fight, occurs.
Cameras continued to roll as Bingle paces back and forth on the phone. The camera goes shaky and more fighting can be heard but not seen.
A voice, which allegedly belongs to Worthington, can be heard yelling.
In another clip Li is seen cowering on the ground. Bingle can be seen reaching for his camera as Worthington tries to pull her away.
The two walked away holding hands but the photographer chased after them. Words were exchanged as a crowd watched and police arrived on the scene. Worthington was cuffed and taken into custody.
"These people as you can see are not second class citizens, nor are they celebrity punching bags," Li's attorney, Mark Jay Heller said.
The clips were released by Li, his, lawyer and several paparazzi friends outside of Manhattan criminal court.
Li was arrested and charged with misdemeanor assault and harassment for allegedly kicking Bingle and following her. His lawyer claimed that the footage shows Bingle was the aggressor and should be arrested.
"This is the hand that he uses for his livelihood as if he was a piano player," Heller said.
Li claims to have sustained $50,000 worth of injuries and says he can't work if he can't hold his camera.
Entertainment experts say it will be interesting to see how the case plays out.
"It really is a hot button issue and it could change paparazzi laws for sure in New York," Entertainment Director, In Touch, Jordi Lippe explained.
The judge declined to take the step of compelling the Manhattan D.A. to charge Bingle. The case has been adjourned until May 8.
A spokesperson for Worthington and Bingle did not respond to a request for comment.
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