Pierce Brosnan Accused of Beating Up Photographer

Pierce Brosnan is under investigation by police in Los Angeles after allegedly beating up a photographer in Malibu, California, according to TMZ.com. The actor is accused of attacking Robert Rosen outside the restaurant Casa Escobar on Friday.

Brosnan was in the restaurant dining with his son when he took offense to the photographers waiting outside. He said a few words to the cameraman and struck him in the ribs. A witness to the event said the photographer retaliated by kicking Brosnan in the stomach.

The event is currently under investigation by the Malibu sherrif's office.

Brosnan, known best for his portrayal of television heartthrob Remington Steele and James Bond in four installments of the movie series ("Goldeneye," "Tomorrow Never Dies," "The World Is Not Enough" and "Die Another Day"), has suffered many personal setbacks in the past. He suffered a devastating loss when his wife Cassandra Harris lost her battle with ovarian cancer, and in 2000, his son Sean suffered multiple fractures and spinal injuries when the vehicle he was in plunged down a bush-covered bank on the Malibu coast.