Overview

• People first reported the incident, which occurred around 11:55 p.m. on Sept. 8 as McAvoy gathered quietly with producers.
• The man allegedly hit McAvoy from behind while being removed by staff at the downtown venue near TIFF headquarters.
• Bar staff and patrons intervened immediately to restrain and escort the assailant out as McAvoy attempted to de‑escalate.
• The actor was not seriously hurt, remained at the bar afterward, and reportedly laughed off the episode with staff and patrons.
• No police report was filed, and subsequent coverage by CBC, Entertainment Weekly, Variety and others corroborated the account via sources and eyewitnesses.