SANTA FE, N.M. (October 31, 2012)--Police in New Mexico say actor Gene Hackman was acting in self-defense when he slapped a homeless man who had become aggressive toward him and his wife.
The incident involving the Oscar-winning actor occurred Tuesday afternoon in downtown Santa Fe.
Police didn't immediately provide any additional details.
Hackman, 82, and his wife have a home in Santa Fe.
Hackman has won two Academy Awards and been nominated for three others over a career that has spanned five decades.
Hackman took the Best Actor trophy for his portrayal of Jimmy "Popeye" Doyle in "The French Connection" in 1971, and the Best Supporting Actor award for "Unforgiven" in 1992.
