Raw video: The set of “Transformers 4” was closed Thursday following an alleged assault on director Michael Bay
This story has been updated to include Paramount’s statement.
TORONTO — Director Michael Bay was injured Thursday during a confrontation with two men on the Hong Kong set of Transformers: Age of Extinction.
Police told Reuters two men approached Bay and his crew and demanded the equivalent of about $13,000 compensation for filming in the area. A scuffle ensued and one of the men allegedly attacked Bay.
According to a police statement: “The right side of his face was injured, but he refused to go to the hospital.”
Two men, reportedly brothers, were arrested and face charges of blackmail and assault.
Paramount Pictures issued a statement with a different version of events.
“Contrary to several erroneous news reports made today, Bay did not get hurt in a fight on set,” it read. “The production company did have a bizarre encounter with a man (allegedly under the influence of a narcotic substance) who was wielding an air conditioning unit as a weapon. The man, who had earlier accosted several other crew members, rushed onto the set in Quarry Bay and swung the air conditioning unit directly at Bay’s head. The director ducked and wrested the air conditioner from his attacker, preventing what could have been a serious accident. The company’s security team quickly stepped in and subdued the assault. The police, who also scuffled with the assailant and two of his companions, ultimately arrested the three men. No one on the cast or crew was injured and the production immediately resumed filming without further incident.”
Bay, 48, was filming scenes for the new Transformers movie in Hong Kong’s Quarry Bay district.
The movie, starring Mark Wahlberg, is due in theatres in June.
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