Identified only as “Steve,” a rogue diner at Elements, a restaurant in Scottsdale, Arizona, accosted the now-disgraced producer and alleged sexual predator Harvey Weinstein on Tuesday night — and later slapped his face as Weinstein and his “sober coach” were leaving the establishment.
Weinstein, clearly shocked, simply walked away from the man — apparently choosing not to lodge any complaint.
Weinstein and his coach were dining at Elements at the Sanctuary Camelback Mountain Resort on Tuesday evening, according to a report in TMZ. “Steve” and his companion were later seated at a nearby table. Early in the evening, “Steve” reportedly asked for a photo with Weinstein, and Weinstein declined.
Some described Weinstein’s refusal as polite, while others described it as belligerent.
The slapping incident depicted in the video occurred as Weinstein and his companion were preparing to leave. “Steve,” who told TMZ he’d had “quite a bit to drink,” then asked his companion to use his phone to take a video of what he was about to do.
[lz_ndn video=33420196]
In the video he’s seen placing a hand on Weinstein’s chest — and then slapping the producer’s face twice with the back of his hand. A casual viewing suggests the slaps, while audible, were relatively light. “Steve” follows the slaps by saying, “Get the f*** out of here … You’re a … piece of sh**.”
Another individual, who is presumed to be Weinstein’s sober coach, almost in concert with the slap attempts to block the videographer’s view of the incident as well as Weinstein. He says, “Don’t, don’t, don’t, don’t do that, man.”
After the slap, he issues a dismissive gesture and walks away with Weinstein — toward what appears to be a reservations lectern. The video of the incident has been viewed over 735,000 times on YouTube as of late last night.
Related: Actress Is Making a Film Based on Her Weinstein Experiences
No reports of the incident have been made to the Paradise Valley Police Department, according to USA Today. The department would, it notes, investigate the incident as a misdemeanor assault if Weinstein chose to press charges.
Michele Blood is a a freelance writer based in Flemington, New Jersey.
(photo credit, homepage and article images: TMZ, YouTube)
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