Crowe's lawyers hope to reduce phone-throwing charges

Lawyers are negotiating to have felony assault charges against Oscar-winning actor Russell Crowe reduced so he can continue to work in the United States, according to an interview with the actor published today.

The New Zealand-born actor, who was raised in Australia, was arrested and charged with assault after allegedly hurling a telephone at New York hotel concierge Nestor Estrada in June.

If convicted, Crowe could lose his right to work in the United States. In an interview with The Bulletin magazine, the 41-year-old actor said his lawyers were working to have the charges reduced to a less serious misdemeanour charge.