Austin North, the star of the hit Netflix series ‘Outer Banks’, has broken his silence following his arrest in Las Vegas for allegedly assaulting multiple hospital workers during a severe anxiety attack.
The incident unfolded earlier this week in the emergency room of a UMC Hospital in Las Vegas. According to the police report, North allegedly began throwing punches at the hospital workers unprovoked. He is accused of hitting one nurse in the head, shoving the face of another, and pushing a phlebotomist into a table. The phlebotomist reportedly used a tray to smack the actor over the head in self-defense.
TMZ (@TMZ) reported on the incident, stating: ‘Outer Banks’ Star Austin North Arrested, Allegedly Attacked ER Staff.
‘Outer Banks’ Star Austin North Arrested, Allegedly Attacked ER Staff | Click to read more 👇 https://t.co/e3uc63QkOn
— TMZ (@TMZ) February 15, 2024
Before officers were able to fully restrain him, North allegedly attacked another person nearby. It’s unclear if this person was a hospital worker or a bystander. The officers finally detained him by using handcuffs to secure him to a stretcher.
North, who portrays Topper Thompson on Outer Banks, was promptly arrested for assault and booked for gross misdemeanor battery. He has since bonded out of custody.
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In an Instagram Story posted late Thursday evening, North attempted to explain the details of the incident. He told his three million followers that he was in the midst of a “severe anxiety attack,” which he had initially thought was a heart attack.
“I am deeply upset by the events that took place in Las Vegas this past week. My friend drove me to the hospital because I thought I was having a heart attack… I was having a severe anxiety attack,” the actor wrote.
North said his memory of the incident is foggy and that as someone who has struggled with anxiety for his entire life, he hopes to use this as a learning opportunity and to help others who are struggling.
“I have very little memory of the events that day at the hospital. I have the utmost respect for healthcare workers and hospital staff,” he wrote. “I have battled anxiety on and off for years and this was the most extreme panic attack I’ve ever had. Going forward, I hope to shed light on this debilitating disorder and send hope to those who have also struggled.”
ET reached out to Las Vegas Metropolitan Police and Clark County officials for comment. As of now, there has been no official statement from the authorities regarding the incident. The story is still developing, and more updates are expected in the coming days.
The incident has sparked a wave of concern among North’s fans and the public alike. As the actor faces legal consequences, the incident has also opened up a conversation about mental health, particularly anxiety disorders, and the need for understanding and support.
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