Beware of Hollywood's Walk of Shame

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http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2007/02/15/whwood15.xml

For years, out-of-work actors eyeing an easy buck have dressed up as film characters for tips outside the former venue for the Academy Awards. The performers say they are simply providing entertainment enjoyed by thousands of tourists, especially young children. But with the Oscars ceremony less than a fortnight away, allegations of ructions between characters, tourists and the guides who ferry them have cast a shadow over the awards and painted the performers who emulate the film stars more as villains than benign screen idols.

Last month, Freddie Young, 34, who dresses up as Chewbacca the "wookie" creature from the Star Wars films, was arrested after allegedly butting a tour guide. Brian Sapir, the guide, claimed Mr Young had been harassing two Japanese tourists. He alleged that when he asked Young to stop, the performer said: "Nobody tells this wookie what to do" before slamming his head into Mr Sapir's brow.

Another actor, who was dressed as the Nightmare on Elm Street character Freddie Krueger, was recently arrested for allegedly stabbing a man. Again no charges were filed.

Chris Mitchell, 46, who dresses up as Barney the dinosaur, was arrested this week after chasing a man who thumped him on the head. He was released without charge. "It's happening all the time now," said Mr Mitchell. "This guy nearly knocked my head off. People come and taunt us, say abusive things. And we get negative press."