Former bodybuilding champion and Hollywood actor Arnold Schwarzenegger was attacked at the Arnold Classic Africa Festival in Sandton, South Africa.
In the video circulating on social media, the 71-year-old can be seen filming a rope-skipping competition. While Schwarzenegger films the competition and speaks into his phone camera, a man can be seen lurking in the background. The man then runs over, jumps up, and kicks Schwarzenegger in the back.
Schwarzenegger is pushed into the crowd of people surrounding him while security can be seen rushing over to pin the man down.
Soon after, Schwarzenegger returns to a seat by the side of the court, seemingly unharmed. Moments later, he walks out of the convention center.
Watch the video below:
The director of the Arnold Partner for Africa Wayne Price said the former bodybuilding champion was unharmed, according to Eyewitness News.
“It was all dealt with immediately by the security team, the on-site security and also the police that was also on site. There was no problem. Arnold was not injured at all, as you can see in the video he is smiling later,” the director said, according to the outlet.
Later that same day, Schwarzenegger posted a video on Twitter of himself greeting fans in Sandton. He also captioned it, “Make sure to tune into my @Snapchat to see all 90 sports we have here at the @ArnoldSports Africa! Fitness is for everyone.”
Make sure to tune into my @Snapchat to see all 90 sports we have here at the @ArnoldSports Africa! Fitness is for everyone. pic.twitter.com/bNjSTQS9Aj
— Arnold (@Schwarzenegger) May 18, 2019
He also posted a message on Twitter, assuring his fans that he’s unharmed.
“Thanks for your concerns, but there is nothing to worry about. I thought I was just jostled by the crowd, which happens a lot. I only realized I was kicked when I saw the video like all of you. I’m just glad the idiot didn’t interrupt my Snapchat,” he wrote.
Thanks for your concerns, but there is nothing to worry about. I thought I was just jostled by the crowd, which happens a lot. I only realized I was kicked when I saw the video like all of you. I’m just glad the idiot didn’t interrupt my Snapchat.
— Arnold (@Schwarzenegger) May 18, 2019
One person responded, “It was the equivalent of kicking a brick wall…” and added the hashtag: #TheOak.
It was the equivalent of kicking a brick wall… #TheOak
— Johnny ⚜ (@Mr_Johnny_E) May 18, 2019
“Never mind you, is the man’s foot ok??” another quipped.
Never mind you, is the man’s foot ok??
— James Harrison (@JHarris0n1979) May 18, 2019
While another person commented, “What a coward hitting you from behind. Probably broke a leg off your back.”
What a coward hitting you from behind. Probably broke a leg off your back ???? #ArnoldSchwarzenegger pic.twitter.com/gKXRsfDUTL
— JASON BICKERSTAFFE (@Jason6286) May 18, 2019
Schwarzenegger is best-known for his role as the Terminator in “Terminator” (1984), “Predator” (1987), and “Total Recall” (1990), according to IMDb.
He also served as the governor of California from 2003 to 2011.
