5/13/2009

in

The "300" star is charged with battery after unleashing his Spartan side on the paparazzi.

Stephanie Pappas

Scottish-born actor Gerard Butler, known best for playing a ruthless, fight-or-die Spartan in the film, *300*, as well as a charmingly romantic late husband in *P.S. I Love You*, was charged last night with misdemeanor battery.  
  
Occurring in Los Angeles last October 7, Butler allegedly attacked a member of the paparazzi. Upon leaving Crown Bar, venue for the premiere party for his film, *RocknRolla*, Butler punched a photographer three or four times in the face, claiming that the man had been stalking him, according to TMZ.com.  
  
Butler left the man with a bloody lip. The consequences of his actions could potentially be a $2,000 fine and/or 6 months in jail.  
  
His arraignment date is set for June 10, but because the charge is a misdemeanor, he is not necessarily expected to show. Butler's lawyer, Blair Berk, confirms that the actor will not be in court that day, reports Scotsman.com.  
  
Ironically fitting, Butler's next leading role is for a film entitled *Law Abiding Citizen*, the story of an average man who seeks vengeance for the murder of his family. It is scheduled to release in 2010.