Actor James McAvoy, while attending the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) to promote his directorial debut, "California Schemin'," was reportedly the victim of an unprovoked assault. The incident occurred at Charlotte's Room, a Toronto bar, shortly before midnight on Monday. According to a source close to McAvoy, speaking to People magazine, the actor was socializing with producers when a heavily intoxicated man, who was in the process of being removed from the establishment, punched him from behind. McAvoy, known for his roles in films like "Split," reportedly attempted to de-escalate the situation before security intervened.
The source emphasized that McAvoy sustained only minor injuries and remained at the bar after the incident, choosing to laugh it off. This unexpected event follows the successful premiere of "California Schemin'," a film inspired by the true story of Gavin Bain and Billy Boyd, two aspiring Scottish rappers who attempted to break into the London music scene. McAvoy, speaking with Variety earlier, had described Bain and Boyd as "folk heroes," admiring their audacious attempt to navigate the challenging music industry despite facing systemic hurdles.
The incident highlights the sometimes unpredictable nature of public appearances, even for established actors promoting their work at prestigious film festivals. While the assault is undoubtedly an unfortunate event, it appears to have been an isolated incident that did not significantly overshadow the buzz surrounding McAvoy's directorial debut. The film itself continues to generate attention, drawing praise for its unconventional story and McAvoy's bold transition behind the camera.
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Originally published at: https://www.aol.com/articles/james-mcavoy-allegedly-attacked-toronto-034638958.html
