Sam Worthington Appears Before NYC Judge on Assault Charges

Australian actor Sam Worthington appeared before a New York City judge on Wednesday to be arraigned on counts of misdemeanor assault in the third degree, attempted assault in the third degree and a count of harassment in the second degree after allegedly punching a photographer on Sunday.

The Avatar actor said nothing has he appeared in Manhattan Criminal Court on Wednesday morning.  According to the police report, Worthington told the cops, “I was just protecting my girlfriend.”  The actor allegedly punched paparazzi Sheng Li in the face after Li kicked his girlfriend, Laura Bingle, in the shin.   Bingle claims Li followed the couple “on a public street for approximately four hours.”  Li was also arrested on reckless endangerment, assault and harassment charges.

As a result of Wednesday’s trial, the judge ordered a temporary restraining order on Worthington and told the actor to stay away from Li for six months.  He was then released on his own recognizance.

Worthington is due back in court on May 8.