Bruce Willis has filed a defamation lawsuit against a paparazzi photographer who accused the “Die Hard” actor of attacking him outside a Los Angeles restaurant.
According to the suit, Willis was entering the Koi restaurant on June 13 when he was confronted by Anthony Goodrich and other”stalker-paparazzi” flashing high powered strobe lights.
The suit says Goodrich falsely stated that Willis stiff-armed Goodrich, shoved the photographer and pushed his camera into his face, causing injury to Goodrich’s nose and teeth.
The suit says the actor didn’t physically assault Goodrich and the false allegations of criminal assault have damaged Willis’ reputation, career and standing in the entertainment industry.
The suit seeks about $1 million in damages.
Anthony Goodrich’s attorney, Eugene Wellington Matthews, has released the following statement to Access Hollywood:
“Bruce Willis’s decision to sue Anthony Goodrich claiming that he was defamed is flat out wrong. Mr. Willis defamed himself, his specious lawsuit seems to be a childish attempt to save face. In the body of the lawsuit Bruce Willis falsely claims that he was simply shielding his own eyes from the camera flash. Photos and videos clearly depict Bruce Willis straight arming Anthony Goodrich by knocking the camera directly into his face which cut his nose and loosened two of his teeth. Mr. Goodrich was willing to accept Mr. Willis’s apology. Now he is forced to counter sue however part of the money he receives will go to the center for the advancement of none violence. We have witnesses, photographs and video of the scene if there is any doubt that Bruce Willis hit Anthony Goodrich call us at (866) KICKBUTT.”
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