An actor who starred in the 2009 sci-fi action film "Avatar" was arrested over the weekend in New York. ABC News reports that Sam Worthington, who played the lead role of Jake Sully in the film, was arrested Sunday and charged with assault following an encounter with a photographer.

"The Australian actor, 37, received a desk appearance ticket for alleged assault after his dispute with a paparazzo in Greenwich Village, according to ABC News station WABC-TV," the story reports. "He is due back in court Wednesday for arraignment, the Associated Press reported."

The ABC News report adds: "Photographer Sheng Li, 37, was following Worthington’s girlfriend, Lara Bingle, 26, and then allegedly kicked the woman in the shin, according to police. Worthington responded by allegedly punching the photographer in the face, police said. No one was seriously injured."

The photographer was reportedly charged with assault, reckless endangerment and harassment in connection with the incident.

Sam Worthington