Credit: Alamy

James McAvoy allegedly attacked in Toronto bar while at Toronto Film Festival

Wed 10 September 2025 9:21, UK

Scottish actor James McAvoy was allegedly attacked in a Toronto bar while in the Canadian city for the Toronto International Film Festival.

The prestigious film festival began on September 4th and will end on September 14th. McAvoy was in Toronto for the premiere of his new movie, California Schemin’, based on the true story of Dundee rappers Gavin Bain and Billy Boyd.

Per a report from People, McAvoy was allegedly randomly attacked at Charlotte’s Room in Toronto on September 8th, just before midnight local time. Following the incident, McAvoy is said to have attempted to calm the situation while others helped to remove the aggressor.

A source told the publication: “James was having a casual get-together with the producers of his movie and, as he later learned when speaking with the staff, there was a man who drank too much who was getting escorted out. James’ back was to him and the man just punched him.”

McAvoy continued to stay at the establishment following the alleged attack and laughed off the incident with friends.

California Schemin’ is McAvoy’s directorial debut, which premiered in Toronto on September 7th. It tells the story of the Scottish rap duo Silibil N’ Brains, who rebranded themselves as Americans in order to capture the attention of record labels in London, which ultimately secured them a record deal.

Toronto International Film Festival’s synopsis reads: “Against all odds — and with sharp commentary on image, identity, and the music industry’s obsession with authenticity — they take off, conning even one of the industry’s top producers (McAvoy). But keeping up the lie without losing sight of what’s real becomes harder as the stakes rise, and as cracks beneath the bravado and between friends begin to widen.”

California Schemin’ will have its European premiere at the Zurich Film Festival in October.