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Brad Pitt releases statement on red carpet accoster

Brad Pitt has spoken out for the first time publicly about the ex-TV presenter who was arrested after allegedly trying to grab at him on the red carpet.

The 50-year-old actor released an official statement to People magazine Monday, recounting the incident that unfolded last Wednesday at the Hollywood premiere of "Maleficent," which stars Pitt's fiance Angelina Jolie.

Five of the couple's six children were also in attendance at the premiere, which was briefly interrupted by Vitalii Sediuk, who has been fired from his job at a Ukrainian broadcast station.

"I was at the end of the line signing autographs, when out the corner of my eye I saw someone stage-diving over the barrier at me," Pitt said, "I took a step back; this guy had latched onto my lapels. I looked down and the nutter was trying to bury his face in my crotch, so I cracked him twice in the back of the head -- not too hard -- but enough to get his attention, because he did let go."

The actor says Sediuk's attention then shifted to another section of Pitt's body, "I think he was then just grabbing for a hand hold because the guys were on him, and he reached up and caught my glasses."

Pitt made reference to Sediuk's past "pranks," which have included climbing under America Ferrara's dress at the Cannes Film Festival in May.

"I don't mind an exhibitionist," Pitt added, "but if this guy keeps it up he's going to spoil it for the fans who have waited up all night for an autograph or a selfie, because it will make people more wary to approach a crowd. And he should know, if he tries to look up a woman's dress again, he's going to get stomped."

Sediuk was eventually released after two days behind bars. He has pleaded no contest to battery and unlawful activity charges. He has been ordered to stay away from all celebrity-related events.

In addition, Sediuk must serve three years probation along with 20 hours of community service.

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