JOHANNESBURG – America’s Hollywood star Arnold Schwarzenegger was on Saturday, May 18 attacked and kicked by an unknown man at an event in South Africa.
The 71-year-old former California governor was interacting with fans during a skipping competition at his Arnold Classic Africa sporting event when a man drop-kicked him from behind.
Mr. Schwarzenegger through his official twitter handle said he never realised he was kicked until he watched a video clip.
“I thought I was just jostled by the crowd, which happens a lot. I only realised I was kicked when I saw the video like all of you.”
And if you have to share the video (I get it), pick a blurry one without whatever he was yelling so he doesn’t get the spotlight.
By the way… block or charge? pic.twitter.com/TEmFRCZPEA
— Arnold (@Schwarzenegger) May 18, 2019
He, however, thanked fans on for their concern, but insisted there was “nothing to worry about”.
The video footage, shared widely on social media, shows Schwarzenegger posing for photos and filming at the Johannesburg event on Saturday when the man attacks him with a flying kick.
The Terminator star stumbles forward after the kick, while the attacker falls to the ground, where he is immediately restrained by a security guard.
Mr. Schwarzenegger later urged fans to focus on the athletes at the event instead of the attack.
“Do me a favor: instead of sharing the video of the guy who wants to be famous, watch some of our @ArnoldSports athletes like this young hero proving that fitness is for everyone who deserves to be famous. They’re on my Snapchat,” he twitted.
Do me a favor: instead of sharing the video of the guy who wants to be famous, watch some of our @ArnoldSports athletes like this young hero proving that fitness is for everyone who deserve to be famous. They’re on my Snapchat. pic.twitter.com/EuMynJ7t1n
— Arnold (@Schwarzenegger) May 18, 2019
“We have 90 sports here in South Africa at the @ArnoldSports, and 24,000 athletes of all ages and abilities inspiring all of us to get off the couch. Let’s put this spotlight on them,” he added.
The Arnold Classic Africa event takes place every May and features a range of events including bodybuilding and combat sports.
According to the event officials, the suspect was later handed over to police officers.
