Key Points

James McAvoy faced an unexpected attack while celebrating his directorial debut in Toronto. A drunk stranger punched the actor from behind while being escorted out of Charlotte's Room bar. Despite the shock, McAvoy maintained his composure and even laughed about the incident afterward. The attack occurred just days after his film California Schemin' premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival.

Key Points: James McAvoy Attacked by Stranger at Toronto Bar After TIFF Premiere

  • McAvoy was struck from behind by a heavily intoxicated man being escorted out
  • The attack occurred just two days after his film's TIFF world premiere
  • The actor remained calm and even laughed off the incident afterward
  • McAvoy continued socializing at the bar following the unexpected assault
2 min read

James McAvoy attacked by stranger at Toronto bar

X-Men actor James McAvoy was punched by a drunk stranger at a Toronto bar while celebrating his directorial debut California Schemin' at TIFF.

"I've loved telling stories as an actor for 30 years. It's an extension of that. - James McAvoy"

Toronto, September 10

Actor James McAvoy was unexpectedly attacked by a stranger at a bar in Toronto on Monday night, while in the city for the premiere of his directorial debut, California Schemin', reported PEOPLE.

The 46-year-old actor, known for his roles in the X-Men franchise and Atonement, had attended the world premiere of his film at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) on September 6, along with his wife Lisa Liberati. Two days later, while spending an evening with the film's producers at Charlotte's Room bar, McAvoy was struck by a man who was reportedly being escorted out of the establishment.

According to a source close to the actor, the man had been drinking heavily and was being escorted out of the bar. "James' back was to him and the man just punched him," the source told the outlet.

Despite being caught off guard, McAvoy remained calm as bar staff and patrons quickly intervened.

Following the sudden attack, McAvoy chose to stay at the bar. Sources told PEOPLE he even laughed off the incident and continued chatting with patrons and staff.

McAvoy's directorial debut, California Schemin', is inspired by the true story of two Scottish men who pretended to be Americans to chase their dream of becoming hip-hop stars. The film stars Seamus McLean Ross, Samuel Bottomley, Lucy Halliday, and Rebekah Murrell.

Speaking about his experience directing for the first time at TIFF, McAvoy told PEOPLE, "I've loved telling stories as an actor for 30 years. It's an extension of that. I now love telling stories as a director because I get more tools with which to tell those stories. It was a privilege."

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Why do bars allow such heavily intoxicated people to stay? Security should have removed him much earlier. Toronto needs better pub management!
A
Arjun K
Respect to McAvoy for handling it so calmly. Most celebrities would have made a big scene. Shows real class! 👍
S
Sarah B
As someone who's visited Toronto, this is really surprising. Generally found Canadians to be very polite. Hope they catch the guy and ban him from bars.
V
Vikram M
Meanwhile, looking forward to his directorial debut! The premise sounds interesting - Scottish men pretending to be Americans for hip-hop dreams 😄
M
Michael C
While I admire his calm response, celebrities should probably have some security in public places these days. Too many unstable people around.

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