Russell Crowe: Hollywood superstar regrets his telephone-throwing arrest in New York
Regrets, Russell Crowe has a few.
The New Zealand-born actor, 61, was arrested in New York in 2005 for assault after throwing a telephone at a hotel concierge, and has now reflected on the incident in an interview with the Daily Telegraph on Sunday.
“Look man, at 61, I can forgive my bad days,” he said.
Sign up to The Nightly's newsletters.
Get the first look at the digital newspaper, curated daily stories and breaking headlines delivered to your inbox.
By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.“I’m not at all one of those people that say you shouldn’t have regrets, I absolutely respect regret,” he said.
“Regret is one of the greatest processes.
“You know, you’re not gonna be finding any improvement by not being honest with yourself about who you are and what you did, what you might’ve said.”
Crowe was led from the Mercer Hotel in handcuffs after lashing out at staff when he was unable to place a call to his then-wife, Danielle Spencer.
He spent six hours in custody before being charged.
Crowe references the incident in the music video for his latest single Save Me, recorded with his band, The Gentlemen Barbers.
The Gladiator star was in New York in June 2005 to promote his film Cinderella Man, about the heavyweight boxer Jim Braddock.
He had tried to call Spencer at their Sydney home so he could say goodnight to their young son.
After failing to connect through the hotel’s phone system, Crowe went down to reception and threw the device at Nestor Estrada, the 28-year-old concierge.
Police said the actor broke down in tears when he was handcuffed.
“I can’t communicate how dark my life is right now. I was at the bottom of a well,” he admitted at the time.
He said he was “very sorry” and acknowledged problems controlling his anger.
Crowe initially faced felony charges but later pleaded guilty to third-degree assault, a reduced offence. He was fined and avoided prison.
He settled a civil case brought by Estrada, reportedly paying about $US100,000 ($A153,587).
Speaking about the incident in connection with his new music, Crowe reflected on the highs and lows of his career.
“The song is just a reminder that not every night you get to play in front of 12,000 people – sometimes you’re singing Irish folk songs to the prison officer who is looking after you in jail.”
