James McAvoy Calmly Handles Surprise Punch at Toronto Bar During Film Festival Appearance

James McAvoy's night out in Toronto turned sour when the actor was punched by a stranger at Charlotte's Room, a Toronto tavern. The assault occurred on Monday, September 8, around 11:55 p.m. as McAvoy socialized with producers following the premiere of his directorial debut, California Schemin', during the Toronto International Film Festival.

The attacker, eyewitness accounts said, was a highly intoxicated man who was being escorted out of the bar when he suddenly jumped behind McAvoy and assaulted him. The actor, who had been taken by surprise, immediately stood up but did not hesitate to escalate it. He instead preferred to keep his cool as others took charge and ushered the man out.

Ironically, McAvoy was not injured and declined medical attention. He continued to spend the remainder of his evening at the bar, joking about the incident with friends and fellow patrons, witnesses said. Bartenders even offered him complimentary drinks, which he politely declined.

The star has not spoken publicly, but friends and co-stars say he handled it in a generous and ironic way. His film California Schemin', about two Scots who pose as Americans to become hip-hop legends, opened to appreciative crowds that weekend.

McAvoy's stoic composure in the face of an unprovoked assault has earned the admiration of fans as much as the trade, cementing his image as a class act on and off screen.