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Emile Hirsch faces felony charge in post-Sundance altercation

Posted at 9:16 AM, Feb 13, 2015
and last updated 2015-02-13 09:55:18-05

(CNN) — Emile Hirsch should have probably stuck to screening movies at Sundance.

The “Lone Survivor” actor is being charged with felony aggravated assault and intoxication, according to prosecuting attorney Ryan Stack of the Summit County Attorney’s Office.

Legal papers allege Hirsch had a verbal and physical altercation with Daniele Bernfeld — a Paramount executive — at TAO nightclub in Park City, Utah, during the 2015 Sundance Film Festival.

The early morning altercation reportedly involved Hirsch putting Bernfeld into a chokehold so forceful that she “couldn’t breathe” and caused her to black out. Two bystanders pulled Hirsch off of Bernfeld before police arrived. Some “redness” was seen around Bernfeld’s neck, according to authorities.

The incident happened after Hirsch allegedly confronted Bernfeld, calling her a “rich kid” and questioning why she looked “so tough.” Hirsch reportedly admitted to being in a verbal confrontation with Bernfeld and that he had consumed three to four drinks that evening. He also claimed that he did not know Bernfeld personally.

Hirsch was at Sundance for the premiere of “Ten Thousands Saints,” in which he stars with Ethan Hawke.

CNN reached out to reps of Hirsch and Paramount; neither has yet to respond. TAO declined to comment.

Hirsch is due in court on March 16.