Sam Worthington's lawyer: 'Injury is part of risk as paparazzo'
Actor Sam Worthington's lawyer has hit back at a photographer's $10 million assault lawsuit, insisting injuries are all part of the "risk" of becoming a member of the paparazzi.
The Avatar star and his model girlfriend Lara Bingle clashed with snapper Sheng Li in New York in February (14), and both men were arrested.
Li's assault charges were dismissed in May (14), while Worthington
reached a deal with prosecutors to have his third-degree assault,
third-degree attempted assault and second-degree harassment charges
dismissed in April (14), as long as he stayed out of trouble.
Li decided to pursue civil action against Worthington and Bingle in
September (14), claiming he suffered a torn shoulder, facial
contusions and injuries to his thumb and wrist in the
altercation.
Worthington's lawyer, Rachel Wade, has now responded to the suit,
arguing that Li "knew the hazards" and "inherent risks" of the job
when he decided to follow and take pictures of the couple, reports
the New York Post.
The legal papers continue, "(Any injuries) were caused by reason of
such risks voluntarily undertaken by the plaintiff in his
activities and such risks were assumed and accepted by him in
performing and engaging in said activities."
The two sides are due to meet for a settlement conference in
January (15) in a bid to reach an out-of-court deal.