Batman Spared: Bale Won't Face Assault Charges

LONDON — Christian Bale won't be charged in an alleged assault on his mother and sister, in part because they didn't want to press the matter but also for lack of sufficient evidence, prosecutors said Thursday.

Britain's Crown Prosecution Service ordered police not to take any further action, saying there was insufficient evidence to make a conviction realistic.

The service said in a statement that it treats domestic incidents seriously, but feels it's important "that the views of complainants are also taken into account when making decisions in such cases."

Bale, who denies the allegation, said through his spokeswoman, Jennifer Allen, that he was relieved the issue had been settled. The actor "hopes to put the matter firmly behind him" and will be providing no further comment, Allen said in a statement released by Bale's lawyers.

His family had previously declined to comment, saying the issue was a personal matter.

British media had reported that Bale's mother and sister told police he assaulted them at his suite at the luxury Dorchester Hotel on July 20, a day before he attended the European premiere of his film "The Dark Knight." Bale has denied the accusation.

The Sun tabloid reported that police waited a day to arrest Bale so he could attend the film's premiere in London's Leicester Square. He was questioned for several hours at a police station before being released on bail.

The Wales-born actor first made a splash in 1987 as the child star of Steven Spielberg's "Empire of the Sun." He has played dark and sometimes sinister roles in such films as "American Psycho," "The Machinist" and "Batman Begins."

In "The Dark Knight," Bale reprises the role of wealthy playboy Bruce Wayne and his crime-fighting alter-ego Batman, a brooding vigilante superhero still scarred by the murder of his parents.

Bale, 34, lives in the Los Angeles area with his wife, Sibi Blazic, and their young daughter.

Comments

[ballmerboy]

I read the explanation that ailbhe gives, that "verbal assault" is a crime in England, and I was flabbergasted. Can you believe such nonsense; that it's a crime to yell at somebody? I thought the US was the world's leader in emotional hypersensitivity and ridiculous laws, but it appears I was wrong.

[marred]

probably because he never actaully assaulted anyone.... just a guess.

[ailbhe]

He wasn't accused of assault, he was accused of 'verbal assault', ignoring the 'verbal' part leads people to falsely believe that he was accused of violence.

It is insulting for victims of domestic violence to have people who say 'my son shouted at me, boo hoo, arrest him' indulged. Particularly when the shouting was a response to unnacceptable behaviour. Charges should be filed against the mother and daughter for wasting police time and he should sue them for defamation.

Love Christian's movies, he does'nt seek attention for his personal life, he actively avoids the whole 'celebrity' nonsense. He is just a great actor. The media needs to leave him alone.

[uheardme]

He looks like James Brolin's son.

[DuckofDeath]

So if I post something incredibly intelligent, but include a sentence decrying the general crappiness of HuffPo's board....will it make it through the censors here?

[BlueandGreen]

When your family is seriously toxic, sometimes the only thing you can do to save your sanity is cut ties and move on. I speak from experience ...close that door, Christian, and never look back!

[MeanGreenMachine]

Gotta love family.

[trollsbwild]

It was a BS case to begin with. His mother should feel great that she damaged CB's reputation and could have cost him a loss of future earnings.
All over money. Guess he won't feel bad about not giving her the $200k.