Matthew Newton Arrested Again

Australian actor Matthew Newton has been arrested again in the US, this time for battery charges and resisting arrest.

Reports indicated that Newton allegedly punched a hotel desk staff and chased him around the hotel lobby. CCTV footage showed that on April 17, the 35-year-old actor struck the desk clerk with a right-hand jab. The staff then tried to look for his glasses, which flew after the strike.

When the clerk sat down, the actor went behind the counter and got on top of the clerk. Witnesses said Newton threw all the papers sitting on the counter.

Tom Langone, the hotel manager of Courtyard Marriott, called the police. Newton was then arrested and locked up in Miami Dade. Some sources said Newton tried to resist when the police cuffed him.

Police released the actor after his friend, screenwriter Alison Thompson, posted a $2,500 bond. Police spokeswoman Napier Velazquez said Newton claimed that the hotel clerk spat at him. He retaliated by punching the clerk.

Newton’s claim, however, could not be verified since the clerk had his back to the CCTV camera. Velazquez said the hotel staff did not retaliate against Newton.

Langone confirmed that an altercation involved a guest and a hotel employee. He added that Newton is no longer staying at the hotel and was due to check out.

Chris Murphy, the actor’s legal counsel, tweeted that bipolar need support and patience. He added that Newton has his support and that the actor’s treatment continues.

Bert Newton, TV veteran and the actor’s father, also said the family continues to support the actor.

Tagged Bert Newton, Chris Murphy, Matthew Newton, Napier Velazquez, Tom Langone