LOS ANGELES (AP) - Star Trek show runner Rick Berman was attacked by an alleged fan of the franchise in downtown Los Angeles yesterday.
The incident took place around 3pm inside the up market restaurant Café Pinot. Berman was accompanied by three women when 36 year old Cynthia Portman entered the restaurant and confronted him.
Eyewitnesses say she broke into hysterics, shouting profanities and accusing Berman of "killing the franchise". When maitre d Paul Greensberg asked her to leave, she grabbed a wine glass and shattered it over Berman’s head.
“She [Cynthia Portman] was out of control” says Greenberg. “She was a large woman and packed a lot of power. Mr. Berman was thrown to the ground and, well, [she] savaged him.”
It is alleged Miss. Portman wielded a metallic object which was involved in the assault. After a turbulent minute Portman was wrestled from Berman, who was by this stage unconscious. Police and ambulance staff were on the scene within ten minutes, arresting Portman and delivering Berman to Los Angeles County Hospital.
Portman has been charged with assault with intent to cause serious injury and may possibly face stalking related charges.
Berman is said to be in a stable condition, with a lengthy recovery period ahead of him.
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