Ryan O’Newal (R) in a still from Malibu's Most Wanted (2003)
Washington, May 26 (ANI): The Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office has exonerated Oscar nominee Ryan O'Neal of assaulting his son Griffin during a family party.
A statement issued by the District Attorney on Friday said that the actor will not be charged with the offense, as the police had failed to furnish evidence sufficient enough to prove the case beyond reasonable doubt.
"After a complete review of the investigation by the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department ...there is insufficient evidence to prove this case beyond a reasonable doubt," Variety magazine quoted DA office spokeswoman Jane Robison as saying.
She further said that the "witnesses gave, in different interviews, conflicting stories" of what occurred during the confrontation.
The 66-year-old actor’s attorney, Mark Werksman, expressed acquiescence with the prosecutors’ decision of not pursuing the case.
"It's a tremendous relief for Mr. O'Neal to have this resolved favorably in this manner," he said.
O'Neal was arrested on February 3 after he allegedly assaulted his son Griffin during a family dispute.
His manager described the fight as "an internal family disagreement", and insisted that the actor was exercising self-defence against his son, who had swung a fireplace poker at him.
The fight occurred just a day after O'Neal’s long-time companion Farrah Fawcett was given a clean bill of health, following treatment for anal cancer. (ANI)