Brad Pitt has spoken out for the first time about the red carpet "attack" that left the Ukrainian TV presenter Vitalii Sediuk behind bars. The notorious prankster - who has played similar tricks on Bradley Cooper and Ammerica Ferrera - accosted Pitt at the world premiere of Maleficent in Hollywood last week.

Brad PittBrad Pitt signing autographs at the 'Maleficent' premiere

In his statement about the incident, Pitt told People magazine, "I was at the end of the line signing autographs, when out the corner of my eye I saw someone stage-diving over the barrier at me.

"I took a step back; this guy had latched onto my lapels. I looked down and the nutter was trying to bury his face in my crotch, so I cracked him twice in the back of the head - not too hard - but enough to get his attention, because he did let go.

"I think he was then just grabbing for a hand hold because the guys were on him, and he reached up and caught my glasses."

"I don't mind an exhibitionist, but if this guy keeps it up he's going to spoil it for the fans who have waited up all night for an autograph or a selfie, because it will make people more wary to approach a crowd."

Vitalii Sediuk Vitalii Sediuk being led away by cops

Sediuk pleaded no contest to battery and unlawful activity and was sentenced to three years of probation and a year's psychiatric counselling. The TV presenter was also ordered to stay 500 yards away from all celebrity events, awards shows and premieres and must stay away from Pitt and his financee Angelina Jolie.

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Jolie's new Disney movie took $70 million in the US this weekend to top the box office by a considerable distance. 

Sediuk is due back in court for a hearing on July 8. He told the Associated Press, "I'm a normal guy. I'm not crazy."

"Don't get offended at me. Don't get mad at me. And just to be thankful that I show it's easy to get access to you and maybe you have to tighten security.

"Obviously, I don't want to say, 'Don't talk to fans'. But (be) cautious." 

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