Russell Crowe fought millionaire in toilets - before Ross Kemp stopped punch-up

09 April 2023 , 05:14

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Russell is thought to have said a derogatory term to Kiwis during the exchange (Image: Getty Images for AFI)

Russell Crowe once got in a fight with a millionaire businessman which was stopped by former EastEnders star Ross Kemp until police arrived.

Crowe is a decorated actor who won an Academy Award for his performance as Roman General Maximus Decimus Meridius in the 2000 film Gladiator but despite being known for his tough characters, he once took the persona away from the screen while inside a swanky London restaurant in 2002.

Crowe, who turned 59 on Friday, reportedly got into a bust-up with one of New Zealand's wealthiest men, Eric Watson, at posh Knightsbridge restaurant Zuma.

Things quickly turned sour when the actor, who was born in New Zealand and spent much of his childhood in Australia before moving permanently, traded a derogatory Kiwi term with the business which resulted in a skirmish.

The actor reportedly had a dust-up with one of New Zealand's wealthiest men in London (Getty Images)

Former EastEnders star Ross Kemp stepped in between both men until police arrived (Dave Benett/Getty Images)

South Sydney Rabbitohs owner Crowe allegedly congratulated Watson, who supports New Zealand Warriors, for his club's second-place finish in the NRL. The Rabbitohs collected the Wooden Spoon for finishing bottom in the league table in 2002.

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The Les Miserables star then reportedly said that the Warriors were a "bunch of coconuts" to Watson and his friends. Following the exchange, Crowe followed the businessman into the toilets when the fight broke out and spilled into the restaurant's bar.

One friend told the Sunday Mirror: "Eric got up to use the lavatory and Russell followed. He could tell by his tone of voice and aggressive manner that he was looking for a fight.

The fight broke out from the toilets and spilled into bar of Knightsbridge restaurant Zuma (Mondadori Portfolio via Getty Images)

"He started laying into Eric's club and said they were 'a bunch of coconuts'. This is a real insult in New Zealand - and even more of a cheek coming from an ex-pat Kiwi.

"Just because he's living in Australia he shouldn't forget where he came from."

However, it is thought that it was Watson was the one who did the most damage after knocking down the actor and landing a few punches.

Police were called but it was another actor known for his roles as the tough guy who managed to step in between the two before officers arrived as Grant Mitchell actor Kemp apprehended both men.

Speaking to the Mirror after the altercation, Watson said: "I feel pretty embarrassed about what has happened. I'm still in shock from it all. I want to make it clear I'm not a violent man. I'm not a thug. I'm a respectable businessman."

Josh Luckhurst