Russell Brand Charged in Phone-Smashing Incident

Arthur star is now facing a misdemeanor property damage charge after allegedly flying off the handle at a paparazzo

By Josh Grossberg, Baker Machado Jul 25, 2012 5:04 PMTags
Russell BrandAKM-GSI

Russell Brand's desire to keep away from the prying eyes of the paparazzi has officially landed him in the legal system.

The New Orleans District Attorney's Office confirms to E! News that the British funnyman was charged this morning with one count of misdemeanor criminal damage to property stemming from his throwing of a shutterbug's iPhone through a glass window in the Crescent City back in March.

The municipal court is in the process of setting an arraignment for Brand, which will take place this week, though he is not scheduled to appear.

If convicted, the Get Him to the Greek star could serve up to six months in the slammer or a $500 fine.

Brand's attorney, Robert Glass, could not be reached for comment.

However, in a phone interview on The Howard Stern Show on SiriusXM Radio last week, per Stern fansite Mark's Friggin, Katy Perry's ex said he doesn't throw everyone's phone through the window, just this one photographer whom he accused of getting in his face and annoying him to the point where he got fed up.

Alas, now Brand will have to test his patience in court.