Sam Worthington didn't pay a cent to paparazzo Sheng Li to end their New York assault case, the Australian Avatar actor's lawyer says.
Stacey Richman confirmed Worthington's assault charge has been adjourned for dismissal.
Worthington was arrested on February 23 in Greenwich Village for hitting Li.
The incident happened after Worthington's girlfriend, Australian model Lara Bingle, accused Li of kicking her while he was taking photos of her.
"There was no monetary component whatsoever to this resolution with the district attorney or Mr Li," Richman, who has represented numerous celebrities including rapper Jay-Z, told AAP.
"In evaluating the facts, defence of another under our law may qualify as justification which is a complete defence.
"The district attorney evaluated the facts of the situation."
Li and Worthington were both charged with assault and harassment but Li, who was offered the same deal, declined it when he last appeared in court.
Li has complained the incident left him injured and unable to work.
The offer, known as an adjournment in contemplation of dismissal, is standard for most first-time offenders in low-level cases.
"I understand that as long as I continue to lead a law abiding life, this matter will be dismissed and sealed," Worthington wrote in a signed statement to the court.
Worthington told arresting police he was "just protecting my girlfriend".
Share
