Who Is Vitalii Sediuk? Journalist Attacks Brad Pitt, Has History Of Pulling Pranks On Celebs

Brad Pitt was only supposed to be in the background when he joined partner Angelina Jolie on the red carpet in Hollywood for her latest film “Maleficent” on Wednesday night. Instead, he ended up being the one making the headlines after being hit in the face by gate-crasher Vitalii Sediuk.

The 25-year-old Ukrainian journalist attacked Pitt as he signed autographs for fans. The Associated Press reports “witnesses saw the man from the fan area jump over a barrier to the red carpet” and rush at Pitt. “Security guards wrestled the man across the barrier and called police, who arrived and led the man away.” Seemingly unfazed, the 50-year-old continued to wave to fans before walking into the El Capitan Theatre.

Los Angeles Police Department spokesman Gus Villanueva later said Pitt wasn't seriously hurt, and Sediuk was arrested for misdemeanor battery.

He's now being held pending payment of $20,000 bail.

“The officers who were handling him said it looked like it was intentional, but at this point, it remains to be determined,” LAPD Sgt. Leonard Calderon said.

This isn't the first time Sediuk has pulled a ridiculous stunt at a red carpet event. Earlier this month, at America Ferrera’s appearance in Cannes for her film “How to Train Your Dragon 2,” he tried to climb under her dress. Security had to come and drag him away.

In January, Sediuk was able to get onto the red carpet at the 20th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards in Los Angeles and wrap his arms around Bradley Cooper before resting his face in the actor’s crotch.

That prank was rather tame compared to what he did to Will Smith in May 2012. At the Moscow premiere of “Men in Black 3,” Sediuk kissed Smith, who responded by shoving and slapping him. "He's lucky I didn't sucker-punch him," Smith later told reporters.