Brad Pitt speaks out about red carpet prank

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- Brad Pitt and his red carpet accoster, Vitalii Sediuk, are speaking out about last Wednesday's incident at the premiere of "Maleficent." The prankster says he meant no harm.

"So, I am a normal guy. I am not crazy," Sediuk said.

The Ukrainian ex-journalist who was arrested after jostling with Brad Pitt on a red carpet last Wednesday said he was merely trying to give the actor a hug and didn't mean him any harm.

Sediuk, 25, told The Associated Press Monday that he was simply a fan at an event that was open to the public, and he went in to give the actor a quick squeeze.

"I do this for entertainment, but we can make a lot of stories out of one simple incident, or a prank. Entertainment industry can make it look entertainment. Serious news can talk about security, about access and celebrity, about giving credential to media outlets. So there's so much we can talk about the prank, and why I do it," Sediuk said.

Along with Pitt, Sediuk has also had recent red carpet run-ins with America Ferrera at the Cannes Film Festival and Bradley Cooper at the SAG Awards among others.

His words to the stars? Don't be offended. Maybe even thank him.

"Don't get mad at me, and just to be thankful that I show it's easy to get access to you and maybe you have to tighten your security, or maybe you have to talk to people in a different way," Sediuk said.

Brad Pitt gave his take on the incident to People Magazine, saying he was signing autographs when he saw someone stage-diving over the barrier.

"I looked down and the nutter was trying to bury his face in my crotch, so I cracked him twice in the back of the head - not too hard - but enough to get his attention."

The actor added: "I don't mind an exhibitionist, but if this guy keeps it up he's going to spoil it for the fans who have waited up all night for an autograph or a selfie, because it will make people more wary to approach a crowd. And he should know, if he tries to look up a woman's dress again, he's going to get stomped."

Sediuk was sentenced Friday to three years of probation. He must perform 20 days of community labor, undergo psychological counseling and stay 500 yards away from future celebrity events for three years.

He was also hit with a restraining order and must stay away from Pitt and Angelina Jolie.