James McAvoy, the acclaimed Scottish actor, was unexpectedly assaulted at a Toronto bar during the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). The incident occurred late Monday night at Charlotte's Room, a bar located just a short distance from TIFF headquarters. McAvoy was in Toronto to promote his directorial debut, *California Schemin’*, a film he also stars in.
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According to sources close to McAvoy, he was enjoying a quiet evening with the film's producers when a heavily intoxicated man, who had previously been asked to leave the establishment, punched him. The attack, described as catching McAvoy off guard, took place around 11:55 p.m. Fortunately, other patrons intervened, restraining the assailant until he was escorted out of the bar.
The actor, known for roles in films like *Speak No Evil*, did not provoke the attack and had no prior interaction with the perpetrator. Entertainment Weekly has reached out to Charlotte's Room for comment.
*California Schemin’*, a true story about two young Scottish men pursuing their hip-hop dreams in America, marks McAvoy's first foray into directing. The film features a cast including Séamus McLean Ross, Samuel Bottomley, Lucy Halliday, and Rebekah Murrell. McAvoy previously produced (and starred in) the 2013 film *Filth*. He has described *California Schemin’* as "the most creative thing I've ever done."
The incident overshadowed the successful premiere of *California Schemin’* at TIFF. The festival, a significant event in the film industry often considered a precursor to the Oscars race, also featured the premiere of Scarlett Johansson's *Eleanor The Great* which is competing with McAvoy's film for the coveted People's Choice Award. The attack on McAvoy serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of public life, even during prestigious events like the Toronto International Film Festival.
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Originally published at: https://ew.com/james-mcavoy-punched-by-man-at-bar-during-film-festival-11806988
