'Just playing himself': Internet mocks 'Outer Banks' star Austin North over arrest for attacking hospital staff

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA: Austin North has admitted to having become “deeply upset” by the events of February 13, where he allegedly attacked several staffers in the emergency room at the University Medical Center hospital in Las Vegas, Nevada.

North, who is known for playing Topper in ‘Outer Banks’, was arrested by Las Vegas Police earlier this week after he allegedly attacked some hospital employees in the Sin City.

Per TMZ, police responded to a call from the UMC Hospital on Tuesday night after there were reports of an assault and battery at the emergency room.

The outlet reported that the police interviewed the alleged victims - a couple of nurses and a phlebotomist. They claimed that they were struck by North as the 27-year-old actor was throwing fists and shoving the three of them in succession without any reason.

They claimed that he punched a nurse in the head, shoved the face of another nurse, and pushed the phlebotomist into a table until getting smacked on the head with a tray by one of his victims.

At this point, he was restrained by security officers who managed to cuff him to a gurney.

After the police arrived, they read North his Miranda Rights, arrested him, and booked him for misdemeanor battery. He was later released on bail.

Austin North releases a statement

After getting bonded out, North addressed the issue in a lengthy statement posted on his Instagram Story on Thursday, February 15. 

Saying that he has “very little memory of the events” of that day, North claimed the experience to be “the most extreme panic attack” he has ever had

In the statement, the ‘Beautiful Disaster’ star wrote, "I am deeply upset by the events that took place in Las Vegas this past week.”

He continued, “My friend drove me to the hospital because I thought I was having a heart attack. Several tests were taken, including blood, which came back negative for any drugs or alcohol in my system. I was having a severe anxiety attack."

North claimed, "I have very little memory of the events that day at the hospital. I have the utmost respect for healthcare workers and hospital staff.”

North added, "I have battled anxiety on and off for years and this was the most extreme panic attack I've ever had. Going forward, I hope to shed light on this debilitating disorder and send hope to those who have also struggled."

Before the incident, North was soaking himself in the spirit of Las Vegas and attended the star-studded Super Bowl on Sunday. He was documenting his say in the city with multiple posts on social media.

Internet mocks Austin North for his behavior

Netizens were left disgruntled with Austin North's surprising behavior with several social media users bashing the 'Outer Banks' star for attacking the ER staff.

Referring to his character from the 'Outer Banks', one of the social media users mocked, "So austin north, topper of outer banks just playing himself?"

Someone else cautioned, "Don’t fight with first responders, their job is tough enough already."

Another user propounded several theories for his misdemeanor, saying, "He was either… A. In “in the zone” and completely immersed in character for an upcoming role. B. Under the influence of drugs. C. An entitled Hollywood elite with an anger management problem."

"Dude just lost it. Hollywood does that to people," said someone else.

Another social media user stated, "Assaulting healthcare workers who save lives daily? Despicable. If confirmed, North should face the full force of the law, celebrity or not. This is the kind of behavior that gets excused and brushed under the rug by the entertainment industry."

"On drugs or excessive booze, nothing new for celebs, especially while in Vegas..," said another netizen.

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.