Skip to main content

Prankster Rushes Brad Pitt at 'Maleficent' Premiere, Gets Arrested

By Brett Snider, Esq. on May 30, 2014 | Last updated on March 21, 2019

A serial prankster was arrested after allegedly rushing Brad Pitt at his partner's "Maleficent" premiere in Hollywood on Wednesday.

Vitalii Sediuk, a veteran annoyance to celebrities, was booked by the Los Angeles Police Department on suspicion of misdemeanor battery for apparently making "contact" with Pitt on the runway, reports the Los Angeles Times.

What's the deal with this prankster?

Simple Unwanted Contact Is Battery

At the most basic level, criminal battery does not require that the victim be hurt, only that the suspect used willful and unlawful force or violence on another person.

TMZ reports that the "Fight Club" star was not hurt when Sediuk, 25, allegedly lunged at him, hitting him in the face and breaking his designer shades. Even if Pitt was only stunned by this attack -- what a cool guy -- Sediuk still attempted to forcefully make contact with the actor's face without his permission.

In California, simple battery like this can be punishable by up to six months in county jail and $1,000 in fines -- although Pitt's sunglasses might be worth more. A judge might otherwise go easy on Sediuk, but this isn't the first run-in he's had with celebrities.

According to the Times, the Ukrainian journalist has apparently tried to touch various actors at red carpet events, including Bradley Cooper, America Ferrera, and Will Smith. Sediuk even tried to get on stage during Adele's Grammy acceptance speech in 2013.

Restraining Order Issued

What do you do about a serial prankster like Sediuk? File a restraining order of course!

E! News reports that Pitt had an emergency protective order issued against Sediuk, which is common in criminal cases in which the suspect is believed to be a continuing threat to the alleged victim. Sediuk will have the opportunity to fight the restraining order and tell his side of the story at his next court hearing.

Until then, the Ukrainian journalist will have to avoid contact -- physical or otherwise -- with the "World War Z" star. That shouldn't be too difficult, as Sediuk is currently being held in custody on $20,000 bail.

Follow FindLaw for Consumers on Facebook and Twitter (@FindLawConsumer).

Related Resources:

Copied to clipboard