Russell Crowe Engages in Altercation with Millionaire Tycoon, Ross Kemp Breaks It Up

In a career marked by intense performances, Russell Crowe has often portrayed characters with a penchant for violence.

His roles in films like Romper Stomper and LA Confidential were eerily convincing.

However, in a case of life imitating art, the actor's own infamous temper led to a public altercation.

Reportedly, in 2002, Crowe, who hails from New Zealand and is celebrating his 59th birthday today (April 7), got into a fight with a millionaire businessman from his home country at the luxurious Zuma restaurant in London.

The confrontation began in the restroom before escalating to the bar, according to The Sun.

According to Watson's friends, Crowe made racist remarks that he refused to apologize for before punching Watson twice in the face.

Initially, it seemed that the Gladiator star, whose South Sydney Rabbitohs had finished last in the National Rugby League, had congratulated Watson on his team's second-place finish.

However, things turned sour when Crowe allegedly referred to Watson's New Zealand Warriors as “a bunch of coconuts.”

A source told the Sunday Mirror, “Eric went to use the restroom, and Russell followed.

Based on his tone and aggressive manner, it was clear he was looking for a fight.

He began criticizing Eric's club, calling them ‘a bunch of coconuts.'

In New Zealand, this is a real insult, especially coming from an expatriate Kiwi.

Just because he lives in Australia doesn't mean he should forget where he came from.”

Surprisingly, it was Watson who emerged victorious after reportedly knocking Crowe to the ground and delivering several blows.

In a strange twist, EastEnders actor Ross Kemp, who happened to be present at the restaurant, intervened to end the altercation until the police arrived.

The Metropolitan Police spokesperson stated, “Police were called at 0042 GMT on November 13 to reports of an altercation involving two men believed to be in their 30s.

No crime allegations were made, no injuries occurred, and no further police action will be taken.”

Watson expressed his embarrassment about the incident, stating, “I'm still in shock from it all.

I want to make it clear that I'm not a violent man.

I'm not a thug.

I'm a respectable businessman.”

However, Watson's reputation has suffered in recent years due to financial troubles.

He is currently being pursued for a $57 million repayment by the liquidators of his failed Cullen Investments.

In 2020, UK courts sentenced him to four months in prison for contempt of court after withholding information about his assets from former business partner Sir Owen Glenn.

Additionally, in 2021, he faced insider trading charges in the US.

Crowe's clash with Watson was not his first or last outburst.

In 1999, he was accused of head-butting customers at a hotel bar in Australia.

On another occasion in 2002, he allegedly berated a BAFTA Awards producer inside a storage cupboard after his Best Actor acceptance speech was cut short.

In 2005, the actor found himself in trouble once again when he was arrested and charged with assault for reportedly throwing a phone at a hotel concierge in New York.

These incidents solidified his reputation as one of Hollywood's bad boys, earning him the nickname “Jerkus Maximus.”

However, Crowe has since apologized for his past behavior, acknowledging that it was a shameful situation.

He attributed his newfound calmness to fatherhood, stating that he has embraced a quieter life as a responsible family man.

Crowe shared with the Daily Mail, “Anyone who experiences that overwhelming attention will have to find their own way to handle it, which is difficult and impossible to prepare for.

But nowadays, I have more balance and a better understanding of it.”