O'Neal fight turns into war of words

A fight between Ryan O’Neal and his son Griffin involving gunfire and a fireplace poker and leading to the actor’s arrest last weekend turned into a war of words between their attorneys today.

Griffin O’Neal (aged 42) and his pregnant girlfriend, Joanna Berry, who had bandages around a bruised and swollen left eye, appeared but did not speak at a press conference by attorney Gloria Allred.

“We vigorously reject any assertion that the injuries suffered by Joanna and Griffin were as a result of Ryan O’Neal’s acting in self-defence,” Allred said.

The actor’s attorney, Mark Werksman, countered quickly.

“Ryan O’Neal is the victim and was attacked by his own son, with his own poker,” Werksman said. “It’s regrettable that Griffin is trying to make a public spectacle out of this family tragedy.”

Ryan O’Neal, who was arrested for investigation of assault with a deadly weapon and negligent discharge of a firearm, has said he fired a “warning shot” to scare his son away after he came at him with the poker.

He said his son struck Berry (aged 25) with the poker when he ducked during the fight.

Sheriff’s officials said they hope to present the case to the district attorney’s office by Friday. County prosecutors will review the findings to decide whether or not charges should be filed.

Allred declined to answer questions about whether or not a civil lawsuit will be filed.