Arnold Schwarzenegger was attending the Arnold Classic Africa in Johannesburg, South Africa, when he was dropkicked from behind by a crazed fan during a Snapchat broadcast.
Schwarzenegger was recording the video when the man got through security and dropkicked him in the back. Arnold has since spoken out about the incident, saying he understands if people share the video, but he would rather shine a light on the athletes at the event and make it a more positive story. Additionally, Schwarzenegger said he’s not pressing charges and moving on, and that he was not hurt in the incident, initially thinking he was “jostled by the crowd” behind him.
The organizers of the Arnold Classic Africa has also released the following statement regarding the incident:
Arnold Schwarzenegger Attacked By Crazed Fan At The Sandton Convention Centre
Arnold Schwarzenegger, who is in Johannesburg South Africa to attend and promote the annual Arnold Classic Africa, was sadly and unexpectedly attacked by a crazed fan as he was doing a walk-through to support athletes participating in the various sporting codes at the Sandton Convention Centre.
The incident happened while Mr. Schwarzenegger was taking a Snapchat video of a gymnastics competition, when an unknown person breached security and proceeded to kick him in the back, in full view of everyone who was both competing and watching.
Sandton Convention Centre security responded swiftly by apprehending the offender and handling him over to the police.
Wayne price, organizer of the Arnold Classic Africa, believes this incident was carefully planned by the offender, as he is known to the police for orchestrating similar incidents in the past. “There has been a lot of excitement and goodwill since the events began, Arnold was in great spirits and very generous with fans and athletes alike. None of us could have foreseen that something like this could have taken place.”
“Mr. Schwarzenegger is fine and still in good spirits. He still carried on with the activities as planned as is fully taking this in his stride. He even joked that some people clearly got more excited than others. He will still carry on with his planned activities, including an event tomorrow at the Arnold Seminar – where his personal mentor – Iconic Bodybuilder Reg Park and weight and powerlifting world champion, Precious McKenzie, will be getting inducted into the South African Hall Of Fame,” he concludes.
Mr. Schwarzenegger has confirmed that he has no intentions of laying charges. He views this as an unfortunate incident by a mischevious fan.
Do me a favor: instead of sharing the video of the guy who wants to be famous, watch some of our @ArnoldSports athletes like this young hero proving that fitness is for everyone who deserve to be famous. They’re on my Snapchat. pic.twitter.com/EuMynJ7t1n
— Arnold (@Schwarzenegger) May 18, 2019
And if you have to share the video (I get it), pick a blurry one without whatever he was yelling so he doesn’t get the spotlight.
By the way… block or charge? pic.twitter.com/TEmFRCZPEA
— Arnold (@Schwarzenegger) May 18, 2019
