An actor known mostly for his role in different independent movies, Emile Hirsch's assault charges could come as a shock to many, as it seems the actor attacked a woman during his appearance at the Sundance Film Festival last month - and could face up to five years in prison if he were found guilty.
Known for his roles in critically acclaimed films like "Milk" and "Into the Wild," Emile Hirsch's assault charges seem shocking to those who know the actor from his different film roles, as he's always seemed rather on the quiet side and not the kind of person who'd end up charged with assault.
According to The Guardian, Emile Hirsch's assault charges come from his visit to Utah last month, where he was promoting his new film "Ten Thousand Saints," an Eleanor Henderson adaptation of the book by the same name, in the famous Sundance Film Festival.
BBC reports that the Emile Hirsch assault happened on January 25, at a nightclub called Tao in Park City, Utah. It seems like Hirsch was in the middle of a heavy discussion with a woman identified as Daniele Bernfeld, an executive for Insurge Pictures, the independent wing of major studio Paramount.
Though they had never met before, it seems like the argument between Hirsch and Bernfeld got so heated that the 29 year-old "Speed Racer" actor ended up grabbing her from behind and ultimately putting the executive on a chokehold, landing on top of her on the floor.
Variety reports that the encounter began at about 3:15 a.m. on the night of the 25th, as the "Girl Next Door" actor appeared to be intoxicated and asked Bernfeld why she looked "so tough," then going on to say that she had no business being in Sundance because she was a "rich kid."
According to the court documents, at the time of Emile Hirsch's assault, the actor told the police that he had only had a few drinks, while a witness at the club agreed with Bernfeld's account of the story. He was also charged with misdemeanor and intoxication.
