13 September 2014
Newsdesk
Sam Worthington has reportedly been sued for $10 million.
The 38-year-old actor was arrested in February after he punched paparazzo Sheng Li while out with his girlfriend Lara Bingle in New York City.
And TMZ is reporting Sheng brought a $10 million civil lawsuit against Sam and Lara in relation to the incident. The outlet claims that according to legal documents it obtained, Sheng accuses the couple of viciously assaulting him. The photographer is also said to be suing for slander and libel, insisting the lovers said false things about him to the New York Police Department.
The papers also mention health issues Sheng claims to have suffered during the altercation, including “a torn shoulder, facial contusions, injuries to his thumb and wrist”. Apparently he might need surgery to treat his maladies.
Neither Sam nor Lara’s representatives have commented on the alleged lawsuit at press time.
Radar Online previously reported the Avatar actor punched Sheng after the photographer kicked Lara outside a bar in Greenwich Village.
“The photographer kicked Lara and then Worthington punched him causing the photographer to have lacerations to his nose,” New York Police Department Lieutenant John Grimpel told Radar in February.
“He has been charged with assault. He punched the photographer.”
Initially the actor faced prosecution for charges of third-degree assault, third-degree attempted assault and second-degree harassment. Each of these crimes carry a maximum sentence of one year behind bars.
The New York Daily news reported Sam took a conditional dismissal deal on April 8, an agreement which has no jail time. Should the star remain out of trouble for a certain amount of time the case against him will be formally dismissed by the courts.
Charges of assault were also brought against Sheng, but the paparazzo was exonerated in May after prosecutors dropped the case.
