'Avatar' Star Sam Worthington Arrested After Allegedly Punching Paparazzi In New York

Actor Sam Worthington was arrested on Sunday for allegedly assaulting a photographer in Greenwich Village in New York City.

According to reports, a scuffle broke out between photographer, Sheng Li, and the “Avatar” star after the man kicked Worthington's Aussie model girlfriend, Lara Bingle, in the shin.

"The photographer kicked Lara and then Worthington punched him, causing the photographer to have lacerations to his nose," New York Police Department Lieutenant John Grimpel told The Daily Telegraph. "He has been charged with assault,” Grimpel added.

The 37-year-old actor was later released on a desk appearance ticket and a court hearing is scheduled for Feb. 26. The photographer was also arrested on charges of reckless endangerment, assault and harassment, and is reportedly still in custody.

The news of the alleged assault reportedly comes a month after Worthington and Bingle were spotted wearing rings on their ring fingers in London. The duo was first rumored to be together in September, and has gone public with the romance since then. But, they have not said anything publicly regarding their matching rings.

On Valentine’s Day, Bingle posted a picture on her Instagram account showing herself kissing Worthington’s forehead, captioning it: “My Heart. His Heart.”

According to reports, this is the second time Washington has been arrested.

In 2012, he was charged with disorderly conduct when he was denied entry to a restaurant in Atlanta. He apparently got into an argument with a bouncer, after being refused entry because he was intoxicated and lacked proper identification. The charges against him in the case were later dismissed.