Sam Worthington has been arrested in New York City for punching a photographer, police say.

The Avatar actor hit the man after he kicked Sam Worthington’s girlfriend in the shin.

Sam Worthington was arrested on an assault charge following the incident at about 5:30 p.m. Sunday in Greenwich Village.

Sam Worthington has been arrested in New York City for punching photographer Sheng Li

The Australian actor was released on a desk appearance ticket and is due back in court on February 26. Police did not say what caused the scuffle.

The photographer, 37-year-old Sheng Li, was arrested on charges of reckless endangerment, assault and harassment. He’s being held pending arraignment.

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