Alan Ritchson’s acting career could gain momentum following his now-viral altercation with a neighbor, according to a PR expert.
Eric Schiffer, chairman of the Los Angeles–based firm Reputation Management Consultants, exclusively spoke with Page Six after the “Reacher” star was caught on camera in a fight with his Tennessee neighbor over the weekend
“This isn’t the kiss of death and won’t put a bullet through Alan’s career,” Schiffer said.
The brand expert noted that police determined Ritchson was acting out of self-defense, and, therefore, he “won’t get steamrolled in his own street.”
“The throwdown feeds the ‘Reacher’ machine because his audience loves fighters and hates cowards,” Schiffer pointed out.
“This is the same hard-shell authenticity his brand sells and a street-level reminder his tough-guy persona isn’t rented.”
Ritchson notably portrays Jack Reacher — a towering ex-army investigator turned drifter delivering justice wherever he goes — in the Amazon Prime series.
As for whether the scuffle will hurt his chances at any brand deals or partnerships, Schiffer said he’s in the clear.
“Brand deals care if he looks dangerous to the brand. Self-defense strips all the poison out,” he said. “This is not rat poison for sponsors and only hardens his appeal.”
Overall, Schiffer believes the incident can only help his image.
“His image was built on toughness. This doesn’t gut it, it reinforces it,” Schiffer said.
“The ‘Reacher’ mythology is bolstered because audiences love it when the actor looks like he could actually kick ass outside his trailer,” he said. “He may lose some polished-Hollywood points with elites, but gain giant truckloads of street cred.”
Ritchson, 43, was captured getting into a tussle with Ronnie Taylor in the streets of their quiet Brentwood, Tenn., neighborhood on Sunday.
In bodycam footage, Taylor is seen approaching Ritchson about his noisy motorbike. The two men get into an argument and Ritchson is seen punching Taylor before riding off on his bike.
At the time, the “Smallville” alum was joined by his two kids, who were also on motorbikes.
Taylor claimed in an interview with TMZ that the actor “kicked the crap” out of him.
“Then, on Sunday, when I was cleaning my bike outside my house, he rode past once, twice, and on the second time, I walked out in front of him, and I said, ‘You got to stop. Someone’s going to get hurt,’” Taylor told the outlet.
“Then it escalated quite quickly from there,” he added. “I did push him because he was coming toward me on his bike.”
Authorities confirmed Tuesday that the case was closed after determining that Ritchson acted in self-defense. Ritchson will not face criminal charges.
“After reviewing available evidence, including video footage and witness statements, authorities determined that no criminal charges will be pursued. Mr. Ritchson’s actions were found to be in self-defense,” Brentwood Police Captain Steven Pepin told the Hollywood Reporter.
However, lawyers told Page Six that Ritchmon can still face a civil lawsuit from his disgruntled neighbor.
Ritchman broke his silence by sharing a pointed message on his Instagram Wednesday.
“Happy to be back in the booth after such a crazy week!” he captioned a video of himself on set of his show.
“That’s a wrap for me on post-production — #Reacher Season 4,” he added.
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