Video of Arnold Schwarzenegger Drop Kicked by 'Crazed Fan' Goes Viral - WATCH
Actor attacked by 'deranged man' in South Africa while taking selfies
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Legendary actor Arnold Schwarzenegger was viscously attacked during a school sporting event in South Africa when he was unexpectedly drop kicked from behind by a "crazed fan."
The Hollywood star and former California governor was assaulted by the "deranged man" without warning as he stood for selfies with fans.
Videos of the shocking attack have since gone viral across social media.
Perhaps the most surprising part of the incident is that Arnie appeared totally unfazed after the man leaped through the air and kicked him in the back with both feet.
According to News Thud, the "Terminator" later responded saying he didn't realize he had been kicked until he saw the video, adding, "I’m just glad the idiot didn’t interrupt my Snapchat."
Thanks for your concerns, but there is nothing to worry about. I thought I was just jostled by the crowd, which happens a lot. I only realized I was kicked when I saw the video like all of you. I’m just glad the idiot didn’t interrupt my Snapchat.
— Arnold (@Schwarzenegger) May 18, 2019
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Arnie was filming an athlete jump rope while in a gymnasium at the Arnold Sports Festival at the Sandton Convention Centre when a stranger jump-kicked him from behind.
Fortunately and perhaps unsurprisingly, despite being 71-years-old, Schwarzenegger was unfazed, writing on Twitter afterward: "Thanks for your concerns, but there is nothing to worry about.
"I thought I was just jostled by the crowd, which happens a lot.
"I only realized I was kicked when I saw the video like all of you.
"I’m just glad the idiot didn’t interrupt my Snapchat."
Moments before, the attacker approaches Schwarzenegger while waving, but a member of bodybuilding legend's security team apprehends him, according to the Daily Mail.
And as the former California governor comments on how fast the jump ropers are going, the man rushes behind him and launches into his kick.
The assailant throws himself into the air and kicks the back of the Hollywood legend, sending him flying forward into the cameraman and others watching.
The attacker is immediately rushed by security personnel and taken from the scene as others rush to help ensure Schwarzenegger has not been injured.
People gasp and a child can be heard sounding distressed in the background as an adult tries to reassure the youngster.
Bizarrely someone shouting, "Help me, I need a Lamborghini," can be heard in the aftermath.
It is possible that the man was saying something in one of South Africa's official languages.
It is not clear who is shouting.
The "Kindergarten Cop" star posted a video on Snapchat of right before the kick.
In the brief clip, Schwarzenegger has his phone on selfie mode but the assailant can be seen right over his shoulder.
The philanthropist had just turned off his phone when the kick occurred.
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.
— Arnold (@Schwarzenegger) May 18, 2019
By the way... block or charge? pic.twitter.com/TEmFRCZPEA
Schwarzenegger posted throughout the day on his Instagram story as he watched kids show off their crafts at the massive sports festival that is judged.
The actor played chess against an entire team, watched archers, admired native dancers, played softball and pool and watched endless sporting events before going to pet some big felines.
It is unknown what will happen to the man and Schwarzenegger does not plan on pressing charges, according to a statement from the Festival.
"Mr. Schwarzenegger has confirmed that he has no intentions of laying charges. He views this as an unfortunate incident by a mischievous fan," the statement added.
The statement further explained that police in the area are familiar with the man and have had issues with him at events in the past.
A representative from Black Circle Communications, who released the statement, told DailyMail.com that the man was a "known mischievous person" who has been handed over to the police.
"Police are currently processing everything and we are waiting on them to get back to us but Arnold has been so generous with everything," spokeswoman Cassandra Gudlhuza said.
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Read the full statement below:
18 May 2019 - ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER ATTACKED BY CRAZED FAN AT THE SANDTON CONVENTION CENTRE
Arnold Schwarzenegger, who is in Johannesburg South Africa to attend and promote the annual Arnold Classic Africa, was sadly and unexpectedly attacked by a crazed fan as he was doing a walk-through to support athletes participating in the various sporting codes at the Sandton Convention Centre.
The incident happened while Mr. Schwarzenegger was taking a Snapchat video of a gymnastics competition, when an unknown person breached security and proceeded to kick him in the back, in full view of everyone who was both competing and watching.
Sandton Convention Centre security responded swiftly by apprehending the offender and handing him over to the police.
Wayne Price, organizer of the Arnold Classic Africa, believes this incident was carefully planned by the offender, as he is known to the police for orchestrating similar incidents in the past.
"There has been a lot of excitement and goodwill since the events began, Arnold was in great spirits and very generous with fans and athletes alike.
"None of us could have foreseen that something like this could have taken place."
"Mr. Schwarzenegger is fine and still in good spirits. He still carried on with the activities as planned and is fully taking this in his stride.
"He even joked that some people clearly got more excited than others.
"He will still carry on with his planned activities, including an event tomorrow at the Arnold Seminar - where his personal mentor — Iconic Bodybuilder Reg Park and weight and powerlifting world champion, Precious McKenzie, will be getting inducted into the South African Hall of Fame," he concludes.
Mr. Schwarzenegger has confirmed that he has no intentions of laying charges.
He views this as an unfortunate incident by a mischievous fan.
