James McAvoy faced an alarming situation in Toronto this week when a drunk man punched him at a bar during the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). The incident happened just two days after McAvoy premiered his directorial debut, California Schemin’.
James McAvoy punched by a drunk man amid TIFF
On September 8, the actor was at Charlotte’s Room, a bar located two blocks from TIFF headquarters, when the altercation occurred. James McAvoy was sitting with producers of his new film around 11:55 p.m. when a heavily intoxicated man, already being escorted out by staff, punched him.
“James’ back was to him and the man just punched him,” a source told People. Witnesses reportedly confirmed that McAvoy had no prior interaction with the attacker and did not provoke the punch. Other patrons immediately restrained the man before security removed him from the venue. Despite being caught off guard, McAvoy remained calm. He stayed at the bar, continued his evening, and even joked about the incident with staff and guests after the situation was resolved.
The actor and his wife, Lisa Liberati, had attended the world premiere of California Schemin’ on September 6. The film is McAvoy’s first project as a director and also features him in a supporting role. “I’ve loved telling stories as an actor for 30 years,” McAvoy told People. “Now I love telling stories as a director because I get more tools with which to tell those stories. It was a privilege.”
McAvoy described the project as “the most creative thing I’ve ever done.” The film tells the true story of two young Scottish men who travel to America to break into the hip-hop scene. The cast includes Séamus McLean Ross, Samuel Bottomley, Lucy Halliday, and Rebekah Murrell.
This year’s TIFF also features the directorial debut of Scarlett Johansson. Her film, Eleanor The Great, competes alongside California Schemin’ for the festival’s People’s Choice Award.
Originally reported by Devanshi Basu on Mandatory.
