8 celebs who have been attacked by strangers in public: From Brad Pitt to Gigi Hadid

Eight celebrities who were attacked on stage and in public

Celebrities, despite their fame and success, often find themselves targeted by individuals seeking notoriety or simply acting on impulse. From actors and singers to rappers, these public figures have experienced sudden and often shocking attacks. Here are some notable incidents:

1. Steve Buscemi

Steve Buscemi, renowned for his prolific acting career and notable roles in 'Boardwalk Empire' and Quentin Tarantino's films, has lived a life filled with remarkable achievements and unexpected challenges. In a recent incident, Buscemi was attacked in May 2024 while walking in New York City. A random assailant approached him and punched him in the face. The assault left Buscemi with superficial injuries, and he was promptly treated and released from Bellevue Hospital. The NYPD later identified the assailant as 50-year-old Clifton Williams, but the motive behind the unprovoked attack remains unknown.

2. Dave Chappelle

On May 3, 2022, comedian Dave Chappelle was attacked during a performance at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles. An audience member, Isaiah Lee, rushed the stage and tackled Chappelle during a Netflix comedy special. Security quickly apprehended Lee, who was later arrested on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon. Fortunately, Chappelle was not injured in the incident.

3. Brad Pitt

Brad Pitt was assaulted at the premiere of 'Maleficent' in 2014 while supporting then-fiancee Angelina Jolie. Ukrainian TV reporter Vitalii Sediuk jumped the crowd control barriers and lunged at Pitt, breaking his glasses. Sediuk, known for similar stunts involving other celebrities, was arrested and fired after the incident. Although Pitt was unharmed, Sediuk faced legal repercussions and further damaged his reputation.

4. Gigi Hadid

Model Gigi Hadid was attacked outside the Max Mara fashion show in Milan, Italy, in 2016. Vitalii Sediuk struck again, attempting to pick Hadid up. Hadid defended herself, elbowing Sediuk in the face and yelling for him to let go. Her swift reaction and security intervention prevented any injury, and Hadid later defended her actions on social media, emphasizing her right to protect herself.

5. Justin Bieber

Justin Bieber has experienced multiple violent incidents, often involving paparazzi or fans. His fame from a young age and his public behavior, including substance use and altercations, have made him a frequent target. Though many of these incidents were not severe, they highlight the ongoing risks celebrities face from overzealous fans and media.

6. XXXTentacion

During a San Diego concert in June 2017, rapper XXXTentacion was ambushed on stage, and knocked unconscious by an assailant who was then joined by others in the attack. Security eventually intervened, but the incident, linked to a previous altercation involving XXXTentacion's friend Ski Mask, drew significant attention. XXXTentacion accused security of setting him up and announced plans to sue the venue.

7. Beyonce

Beyonce, known for her poise and connection with fans, experienced a frightening incident during a 2013 performance in Brazil. During her rendition of 'Irreplaceable,' a shirtless man from the audience grabbed her and attempted to drag her off stage. Despite the alarming situation, Beyonce maintained her composure, quickly resuming her performance after security intervened. She even stopped her security from ejecting the fan, reassuring everyone by saying, "It’s alright. Calm, calm, calm. It’s alright. He just got excited." She then conversed briefly with the fan, showcasing her grace under pressure and her deep connection with her audience .

8. Rick Moranis

Rick Moranis, a beloved actor from the '80s and '90s, retired from live-action acting in 1997 to focus on his family after his wife's death. He remained largely out of the public eye but occasionally appeared at events and did voice work. In 2020, Moranis was randomly attacked while walking on Central Park West in New York City. A homeless man, Marquis Ventura, ran up to Moranis and punched him on the head, causing him to fall to the ground and require hospitalization. The NYPD swiftly arrested Ventura, who later pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including assault in the second degree.