About an hour ago, text messages started to fly around Park City, regarding an altercation between film critic John Anderson and producer (and Big Lebowski inspiration) Jeff Dowd in the restaurant at the Yarrow Resort. I’m staying in the hotel, so I went downstairs as soon as I heard to investigate. Here’s what I was able to put together:
John Anderson apparently had a negative opinion of Dirt! the Movie (I say “apparently” because I can’t get Variety’s web site to load right now so I can’t confirm whether or not Anderson published a negative review of the film; if you can find one, please post a link in the comments). The documentary was produced by Dowd.
Spotting Anderson eating in the Yarrow’s restaurant, Dowd approached him to argue the merits of the film. The producer tried to make the point that Anderson should acknowledge the importance of the environmental film’s subject matter. Anderson said he wanted to be left alone to eat breakfast, Dowd didn’t leave, and Anderson stood up and punched Dowd in the mouth.
I initially heard Anderson threw two punches; I then overheard Dowd tell a police officer that he was punched “two or three times.” The police officer said that he didn’t see any marks on Dowd’s face, and Dowd and a friend made a joking comment about Anderson’s punching abilities.
The officer said it was up to Dowd to decide if he wanted to press charges. The Dude was last seen in the Yarrow lobby on a cell phone, discussing the incident and apparently debating whether or not to do just that. More details as they come in!
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