Pop star attacks assistant over stage lighting

A Russian pop star has fled the country after he attacked his female assistant during a show, slapping her in front of stunned audience members.

The Bulgarian-born Philip Kirkorov, 43 is reportedly in Israel following the dispute at a concert rehearsal for the annual Golden Gramaphone contest.

The altercation occurred after a dispute over the stage lighting, which ended in Kirkorov hitting Marina Yablokova.

He also allegedly hit her in the face, kicked her and dragged her by her hair.

Marina Yablokova later went on a Russian television show and revealed a large bruise on her upper leg she claimed was caused by Kirkorov.

She told viewers she would sue Kirkorov. Moscow police have confirmed they have launched an investigation into the assault.

Kirkorov's aides have initially played down the incident, saying it was a complete fabrication. But video footage taken of the event shows the slap taking place.

Kirkorov has since checked himself into an Israeli hospital for psychiatric testing, saying he believed he was ill.

He was due to present a televised apology but instead issued a statement on his website confessing to the incident.

Kirkorov is a household pop icon in Russia where his songs have topped the music charts for two decades.

13 Dec 2010

A cowardly woman basher.

Now the International Police (Interpol) can issue an arrest warrant for violence against a woman, similarly like with Julian Assange, and Kirkorov, can be incarcerated, waiting extradition for crimes committed against women.