MARISA TOMEI - MARISA TOMEI CAUGHT IN GUN FIRE

Hollywood star MARISA TOMEI was caught up in real life gang warfare in Los Angeles' notorious South Central district at the weekend (3/4APR04).

The IN THE BEDROOM star, 39, was attending artist KENNY SCHARF's show at his studios when gunshots were heard outside - just after she had left the exhibition.

A photographer covering the event says, "I went out to have a cigarette. No sooner do I light up do I hear five gunshots.

"I see Marisa running back from the valet station.

"Two security guards come running and telling everyone to go inside. Then there were more gunshots on the other side of the street."

Tomei reportedly told the photographer that, "If I die and you get the exclusive, you better give the money to my family."

And Tomei's representative CARI ROSS confirms, "This is true."

Scharf notes the neighbourhood is tough and not for the faint-hearted.

He tells website PAGESIX, "We always have lots of helicopters flying overhead and gunshots going on. I don't even notice it anymore.

"When the incident happened, I said, 'Oh good, it makes you stay at the party longer.'"