Brad Pitt attacker Vitalii Sediuk sentenced to three years probation and a year of psychological counselling after punching actor
The serial red carpet prankster is given his verdict
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The Ukrainian television presenter who attacked Brad Pitt at the Los Angeles premiere of Maleficent last week has been sentenced to three years probation and instructed to attend a year's psychological counselling.
Vitalii Sediuk lunged at Pitt and punched him in the face, breaking his designer sunglasses. The 50-year-old actor was not seriously hurt.
He has since pleaded no contest to battery and unlawful activity charges. He was also ordered to stay 500 yards (457 metres) away from all celebrity events, including awards and premieres.
He has been banned from being near Pitt and his partner, Angelina Jolie, who was also present at the incident on Wednesday 28 May. His sentencing included 20 days of community service during his 36-month probation.
Sediuk was charged with four counts of battery, assault, unlawful activity and interference at a theatrical event, although two of the charges were dismissed as part of his plea deal.
He is due back in court on 8 July to prove his enrolment in a counselling program.
Sediuk was reportedly fired from his presenting role for Ukrainian television channel 1+1 on 17 May, after he dived under America Ferrera’s dress on the Cannes Film Festival red carpet.
Earlier last month, he attempted to gatecrash the Met Ball Gala – wearing a skimpy pink mankini and a gold necklace. Security prevented him from making in inside the venue.
In January at the SAG Awards, he hugged Bradley Cooper round the waist, with his face pushed into the actor’s crotch. He tried a similar move on Leonardo DiCaprio at the Santa Barbara Film Festival in February.
At the 2013 Grammys, he was arrested after crashing the stage before Adele was about to collect her award from Pitbull and Jennifer Lopez.
In 2012, Will Smith slapped the reporter in the face after he tried to kiss on the lips as the Men in Black 3 premiere.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments