ET Online/ October 31, 2012, 6:09 PM

Gene Hackman strikes homeless man, police say

ET has confirmed that retired actor Gene Hackman was involved in a physical altercation with a homeless man on Tuesday afternoon.

According to Captain Aric Wheeler of the Santa Fe, New Mexico, Police Department, the 82-year-old iconic actor was walking with his wife, Betsy, in downtown Santa Fe when he was approached by a homeless man whom they have come in contact with in the past and have allegedly given food and money to.

In an unfortunate turn of events, Hackman and the homeless man became involved in a verbal argument during which the man called Hackman's wife a derogatory name.

The situation then purportedly escalated, as the man then approached the couple in a threatening manor. Hackman felt endangered by the man's move and reportedly responded by hitting him.

Local police were then called to scene and spoke to both the involved parties but made no arrests or citations.

The Santa Fe Police Department said "it was a simple battery case and it appears Mr. Hackman was acting in self-defense because he was concerned for his safety."

While Hackman hasn't acted in a film since 2004, the Oscar-winning actor will narrate an upcoming Martin Scorsese project entitled The Wolf of Wall Street.

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13 Comments Add a Comment

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judymar14 says:: Just because he's a well known actor, he has no right to defend himself and is wife? By helping the man before, Hackman must have realized he is a lost cause. Hackman is an easy target at 82 years old, anyway.; reply

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CO897 says:: Why waste money on an editor when you have spell check?; reply

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madasabull says:: At last, a REAL B*m Fight!; reply

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madasabull says:: At last, a REAL Bum Fight!; reply

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Bojax39 says:: Kudos to Mr Hackman for defending himself. Still, at 82 he's lucky he didn't have his ass handed to him. Right now perhaps he should lawyer up and wait for the lawsuit the guy who worked him up to a physical confrontation will probably level at him.; reply

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dustin93sc says:

Obama might suffer his fate in a "Wunderland" misadventure for his silent portrayal of a supposed DEA agent who opposes Afghani cannabis and poppy harvests ("French Connection"). Barack has openly antagonized the Mexican cartel and Colombian drug lords for their production of cannabis and coca. They have attempted assassination of the President.


joncanuk777 replies:: linkicon reporticon emailicon; And you are smoking what? Way too much whatever it is!

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taramom says:: Mr. Hackman is a gentleman. A few years ago my husband, daughter and I met him at the Nashville Public Library when he was promoting a book that he co-authored about the Civil War. He and the co-author were so gracious when our daughter asked for her book to be signed by both gents.; reply

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fritzw1957 says:

Good grief!!

MANOR for manner? Who writes these articles? 10 year old "journalists"?

PROOFREAD YOUR WORK -- AND THE EDITOR WHO MISSED THIS BASIC ERROR IN GRAMMAR SHOULD BE ASHAMED OF THEMSELVES!!