Importance Score: 42 / 100 🔵
Bill Murray Scolds Overzealous Fan in New York City Theater Incident
In a viral video circulating online, actor Bill Murray was recorded admonishing an enthusiastic fan who nearly caused him to trip inside an AMC movie theater in New York City. The incident unfolded at Lincoln Square 13 during a Q&A session for Murray’s film, “The Friend,” when an unidentified individual reportedly began aggressively following the celebrated performer through the cinema lobby, according to the TikTok footage.
Fan’s Pushy Behavior Sparks Murray’s Ire
The video clip shows the unidentified man attempting to film Murray at close range. The individual then appears to step on the back of Murray’s shoe, causing the acclaimed actor to nearly lose his balance.
Murray’s Confrontation with the Fan
“Stop it! Stop it!” Murray, the 74-year-old star of “Ghostbusters,” is heard exclaiming sharply at the man. Visibly annoyed, Murray confronts the fan directly.
“You approach me like that again, I’ll step on your foot,” Murray warned, wagging his finger in the face of the apologetic admirer, who immediately retreated.
“Don’t do it again,” the agitated actor reiterated, emphasizing, “That is physical assault, what you just did.”
Social Media Divided Over Actor’s Reaction
The interaction has ignited debate across social media platforms. While some online commentators criticized Murray for what they perceived as an excessive reaction, many others championed his right to set personal boundaries with fans.
- One user stated, “I’m on Bill’s side, like, give the guy some space.”
- Another added, “People need to learn boundaries,” a sentiment echoed by a third who wrote, “People need to respect other people’s personal space.”
- Defending Murray, another user commented, “I’m on the celebrity side every time when it comes to fans and paparazzi; they are way too aggressive and add unnecessary stress to celebrities’ lives.”
Past Positive Fan Encounters Shared
Amidst the discussion surrounding the recent episode, numerous individuals online recounted their own favorable experiences with the approachable actor, known for forgoing traditional representation like agents or managers.
- One recounted, “I was at a Cubs game, Bill Murray sat in front of us, he bought us a round of beers because we would stop fans from harassing him. Great guy!”
- Another netizen shared, “Bill Murray isn’t perfect, but everyone that I have known that has met him has had nothing but awesome things to say.”
Murray’s History of Unconventional Public Interactions
Murray’s public conduct and interactions with admirers have long been a subject of public interest. From unexpectedly appearing in engagement photos to spontaneously performing musical numbers in public parks, his offbeat persona is well-documented.
The Urban Legend of the French Fry Bandit
Adding to his enigmatic image is a persistent urban myth about the “Groundhog Day” star playfully stealing french fries from unsuspecting diners – a rumor Murray himself confirmed to Page Six earlier this year.
When questioned about these internet anecdotes at a screening for his movie “Riff Raff,” Murray playfully remarked that “a man’s gotta eat.”
He lightheartedly explained that fries “often just lean off a plate and they’re ready” for the taking, suggesting his opportunistic intervention. “Come on, it’s New York! There’s a lot of excess here, there’s plenty of food,” he told the interviewer.
Murray added that people “usually have a couple of spares” to spare anyway.