Actor and former governor of California Arnold Schwarzenegger has revealed he will not press charges against a man who attacked him in South Africa. The incident, which happened on Saturday during his Arnold Classic Africa sporting event in Johannesburg was, however, deescalated after his attacker, who dropped-kicked him unawares and unprovoked was quickly restrained by a security guard.
In the video that has since gone viral on social media, the 71-year-old can be seen socializing and taking photos with fans when the attacker, from out of nowhere, hits him with a flying kick from behind.
A surprised and startled Schwarzenegger loses his balance afterwards before turning to see the attacker on the ground. The man is subsequently restrained and carried away.
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The Terminator star took to his Twitter page to assure his followers and fans he was ok after the incident.
“Thanks for your concerns, but there is nothing to worry about. I thought I was just jostled by the crowd, which happens a lot. I only realized I was kicked when I saw the video like all of you. I’m just glad the idiot didn’t interrupt my Snapchat,” he shared.
Responding to his tweets, Arnold Schwarzenegger also confirmed he won’t be pressing any charges against the attacker and wished him well.
“Update: A lot of you have asked, but I’m not pressing charges. I hope this was a wake-up call, and he gets his life on the right track. But I’m moving on and I’d rather focus on the thousands of great athletes I met at @ArnoldSports Africa,” he wrote.
Update: A lot of you have asked, but I’m not pressing charges. I hope this was a wake-up call, and he gets his life on the right track. But I’m moving on and I’d rather focus on the thousands of great athletes I met at @ArnoldSports Africa.
— Arnold (@Schwarzenegger) May 19, 2019
“We have 90 sports here in South Africa at the @ArnoldSports, and 24,000 athletes of all ages and abilities inspiring all of us to get off the couch. Let’s put this spotlight on them,” he added in a separate tweet.
We have 90 sports here in South Africa at the @ArnoldSports, and 24,000 athletes of all ages and abilities inspiring all of us to get off the couch. Let’s put this spotlight on them.
— Arnold (@Schwarzenegger) May 18, 2019
The Arnold Classic Africa is held in Johannesburg, Gauteng, annually in May and it features contests including bodybuilding, amateur bodybuilding, strength and combat sports plus a host of other activities.
Take a look at the incident below:
And if you have to share the video (I get it), pick a blurry one without whatever he was yelling so he doesn’t get the spotlight.
— Arnold (@Schwarzenegger) May 18, 2019
By the way… block or charge? pic.twitter.com/TEmFRCZPEA
