O'Neal fight turns to war of words

A fight between Ryan O’Neal and his son Griffin involving gunfire and a poker that led to the actor’s arrest has turned into a war of words between their lawyers.

Griffin O’Neal, 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 lawyer 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 lawyer, 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, 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, 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 tomorrow. County prosecutors will review the findings to decide whether charges should be filed.

Allred refused to answer questions about whether a civil action would be filed.