James McAvoy, the acclaimed actor making his directorial debut with “California Schemin,’” was reportedly assaulted in a Toronto bar shortly after the film’s premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival. The collision occurred on Monday night. It happened only two days after the film’s North American premiere, which is based on the true story of the Scottish rap duo Silibil N’ Brains.
California Schemin’ tells the incredible story of Silibil N’ Brains, who fooled the entire music industry by posing as American superstars in order to win a huge record deal. The 2013 documentary The Great Hip-Hop Hoax goes deep into this unbelievable story. It beautifully documents their incredible and hair-raising odyssey.
The attack happened inside Charlotte’s Room, a popular local watering hole. McAvoy had been having a picnic-type lunch with the film’s producers out on that part of the lot. As reported, he was “sucker punched” by another drunk bar patron who was “severely intoxicated.” Eyewitness testimony indicates that McAvoy was not engaging with the attacker in any way prior to the assault. He was entirely turned from the man when he attacked him, and he did not in any way instigate this assault whatsoever.
“James was having a casual get-together with the producers of his movie and, as he later learned when speaking with the staff, there was a man who drank too much who was getting escorted out. James’s back was to him and the man just punched him.” – People magazine
When the attack took place, fellow customers immediately rushed to intervene and subdue the attacker. Eventually, bar staff forced the attacker out of Charlotte’s Room. Uncannily, McAvoy made the choice to stay on-site following the incident. In true Barcalan style, he demonstrated his toughness by laughing the situation off with excited customers and baristas alike.
“stayed at the bar and even laughed off the incident with other patrons and the staff” – EW magazine
It’s been McAvoy’s response to this sudden, unwelcome surprise that’s raised eyebrows and impressed many. Despite the craziness, he held it together and was able to find moments of joy and connection during his time in Toronto. Today’s incident serves as a reminder about how fragile and unpredictable public life can be. This holds, even for those who are typically in the limelight.