Advertisement

Sam Worthington reportedly settles paparazzo-assault case

Sam Worthington, right, has reportedly reached a conditional agreement in his paparazzi assault case.
Sam Worthington, right, has reportedly reached a conditional agreement in his paparazzi assault case.
(Jason Kempin / Getty Images)
Share via

Actor Sam Worthington has reportedly settled his paparazzo-related assault case.

The “Avatar” star’s attorney Stacey Richman took a conditional-dismissal deal on April 8 in Manhattan Criminal Court, the New York Daily News reported Wednesday.

The Australian actor is accused of punching paparazzo Sheng Li on Feb. 23 during the photographer’s scuffle with Worthington’s girlfriend, Lara Bingle. The charges include third-degree assault, third-degree attempted assault and second-degree harassment.

Worthington, 37, submitted a statement notarized Wednesday in Los Angeles County saying that he agreed to the terms of the adjournment in contemplation of the dismissal deal, which requires him to stay out of trouble for a period of time in order for the case to be dismissed.

Advertisement

PHOTOS: Celebrity mug shots

It’s a standard offer for most first-time offenders in low-level cases, the newspaper said.

“I understand that as long as I continue to lead a law abiding life, this matter will be dismissed and sealed,” Worthington wrote in the statement.

Advertisement

The actor, who was contractually obligated to be in Europe, did not appear in court for the case, which had been advanced from its original May 8 date.

When Worthington was arrested, he told police that he was “just protecting my girlfriend.” He was ordered by a judge to stay away from the photographer, the Associated Press said.

Li was charged with reckless endangerment, assault and harassment. He was offered a similar ACOD deal when he last appeared in court but declined it and plans to fight the charges, the Daily News said.

Advertisement

ALSO:

Peaches Geldof death: Heroin use played a likely ‘role’

Ellen Page on ‘Ellen’: Talks ‘shame, guilt for not being out’

Bieber buddy Lil Za gets probation in drug-possession plea deal

Follow Ministry of Gossip @LATcelebs.

Advertisement