'I didn't mean to hit the guy'

June 7, 2005 - 5:39PM
Russell Crowe walks out of the 1st Precinct of the New York Police Department in handcuffs.

Photo: Reuters

A remorseful Russell Crowe says all he wanted was a phone that worked so he could ring his wife Danielle in Sydney.

But whether the phone the fiery Crowe threw in a trendy New York hotel hit a wall, or a hotel worker's face, is now the subject of criminal charges that could land the Oscar-winning actor in jail.

Crowe's degrading day began in a $US3,000 ($A3,925) a night suite in SoHo's voguish Mercer Hotel at about 4am, when he attempted to call Danielle Spencer at home in their Sydney apartment.

Hollywood's $US20 million man then spent six hours in a jail cell before being handcuffed and paraded before news cameras like a prized catch on his way to a New York court.

The day ended with Crowe in hiding and charged with assault in the second degree and criminal possession of a weapon in the fourth degree.

The "dangerous or deadly instrument" cited by police was a faulty phone Crowe unplugged from his suite, took down to The Mercer's sleek lobby and allegedly threw at concierge, 28-year-old Nestor Estrada.

New York police allege the phone struck Estrada in the face, leaving him needing stitches.

If found guilty of both charges, Crowe could spend up to eight years in prison with killers, robbers and rapists.

What actually happened at 4.20am depends on who is talking.

Crowe, through his publicist Robin Baum, said Estrada was unhelpful when the actor complained he could not make the long distance call to Sydney.

Crowe did throw a phone, but it hit a wall, not Estrada's face, Baum said.

"After asking the front desk several times to replace a faulty phone in his room - and getting only attitude from the clerk on duty - Crowe brought the phone down to the front desk in an effort to address the situation in person," Baum said in a statement.


Authorities view it differently.

"We have a strong case," Assistant District Attorney Chad Sjoquist said.

"This defendant is charged with hitting an employee of a hotel in the face with a telephone. The defendant admitted throwing the phone."

Police said Crowe was sober and cooperative at the time of his arrest - one officer described him as a perfect gentleman - although some reports say Crowe used foul language.

"F*** me, I'm sorry," Crowe allegedly said to police, according to the New York Daily News.

"I really didn't mean to hit the guy. I just wanted to get the f***ing phones to work."

Crowe has a history of a bad temper, but he has been on his best behaviour the past two weeks in the US while promoting his new film, Cinderella Man.

The 41-year-old revealed to reporters last week he used techniques to calm himself down at times when he felt aggressive.

The techniques included "yoga or going for a walk or having a conversation about a completely different subject matter".

According to the London Sun newspaper, Danielle Spencer's overheard reaction to news of Crowe's arrest was: "No, not again, I told you I should have stayed. I want you to fly back today."

After his arrest Crowe was taken from the hotel to a police jail cell in the Manhattan suburb of Tribeca.

About six hours later - enough time for about 100 TV cameras, press photographers, paparazzi and journalists to converge - Crowe was led out to a waiting police car to take him to Manhattan's Criminal Courthouse.

Crowe's arms were handcuffed behind his back as a police officer guided him to the waiting car.

Barricades were set up on either side of the walk to keep the media at a distance.

Crowe, his eyes hidden by aviator-style sunglasses and his stern, emotionless face covered in stubble, did manage to give his new film Cinderella Man a plug.

Throughout the ordeal he wore a blue jacket with the Cinderella Man logo - the same jacket he wore when supporting friend Kostya Tszyu at his weekend world title fight in Manchester.

In court Sjoquist asked Judge Martin Murphy to saddle Crowe with $US5,000 ($A6,500) bail, but the judge allowed the actor to leave the court on his own recognisance. Crowe will have to re-appear on September 14.

Crowe was taken to an undisclosed location.

A few hours later his belongings, including guitars, were removed from The Mercer by acquaintances.

The incident, even excluding the charges and potential sentence, poses other serious issues for Crowe.

Cinderella Man, a movie about 1930s working class hero heavyweight boxer James Braddock that cost $US90 million ($A118 million) to make, had a mediocre opening at the North American box office last weekend, finishing fourth with $US18 million ($A24 million).

Box office experts predicted a long run in theatres, meaning a blockbuster opening was not as important as other popcorn films.

But how will cinemagoers react now?

The charges and negative publicity could also damage Crowe's Oscar chances.

Before today he was thought to be a definite best actor nominee for his portrayal of Braddock.

Many believe Crowe's unruly behaviour at the BAFTA Awards in London just prior to the 2002 Oscar ceremony cost Crowe his second gold statuette for A Beautiful Mind.

Crowe could also find himself facing a costly civil lawsuit from Estrada.

AAP pm/sp/gs


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