Entertainment

‘Amazing Spider-Man’ star placed under citizen’s arrest at Comic-Con

Alec Jacobs Contributor
Font Size:

Rhys Ifans, who stars as the main villain in next summer’s Sony reboot of “The Amazing Spider-Man,” was placed under citizen’s arrest at Comic-Con after he pushed a female security guard before taking the stage for a panel.

TheWrap reports that Ifans had alcohol on his breath when a member of his entourage was refused entry to the convention because he lacked the right credentials. Ifans, annoyed with security, shoved a female guard out of his way and proceeded to his panel on the Comic-Con stage. (Jude Law: News of the World hacked me!)

When the panel ended, the security guard was waiting for the actor, who she placed under citizen’s arrest. Ifans was cited for misdemeanor battery and released, but not before launching a barrage of insults aimed at event staff and the United States, according to the police.

“He was aggressive and belligerent,” said Lt. Andra Brown of the San Diego Police Department. “He was berating everyone from the security staff to the United States of America … According to him, the U.S. sucks and he doesn’t want to come back.”

Ifans, who turned 44 on the day of the incident, could have to pay a fine or appear before a judge, depending on whether the San Diego city attorney pursues charges.

The actor’s agent didn’t respond to TheWrap’s request for comment, but a Sony spokeswoman released a statement on the company’s behalf: “Rhys Ifans was detained by Comic-Con security after a brief incident backstage prior to and immediately following [his] panel. Police were notified and a citation was issued to Mr. Ifans, who deeply regrets this incident.”

Comic-Con, which convenes annually in San Diego, was originally launched as a comic book showcase. It has since expanded to include special appearances from Hollywood stars and sneak peaks from upcoming science fiction, fantasy and horror films and television shows.

Tags : comic con
Alec Jacobs