Prankster charged with assault after striking Brad Pitt

Man pranked Hollywood actor by punching him in the face

Ukrainian TV reporter Vitalii Sediuk  arrested at the World Premiere of Disney’s ‘Maleficent’ at the El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood, California, yesterday. Photograph: Getty
Ukrainian TV reporter Vitalii Sediuk arrested at the World Premiere of Disney’s ‘Maleficent’ at the El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood, California, yesterday. Photograph: Getty

The Ukrainian man who struck actor Brad Pitt in the face at the LA premiere of the film Maleficent will be charged with battery and assault, said officials.

Vitalii Sediuk, a 25-year-old Ukrainian TV reporter infamous for pulling pranks on celebrities at events, will be charged with four counts, Los Angeles City Attorney's office spokesman Rob Wilson said.

Sediuk jumped across a fence and onto the red carpet at Wednesday’s premiere in Hollywood and, police said, struck Pitt in the face. Sediuk was arrested immediately. The attorney’s office will also seek an order keeping Sediuk from such events.

Reuters