Actor Faizon Love charged with assault after airport scuffle

March 9 (UPI) -- Actor Faizon Love, best known for his role in Elf, is facing assault charges following an incident at John Glenn Columbus International Airport.

The 48-year-old comedian was caught on camera attacking airport valet Terrence Artis Gaines II, 24, near the baggage claim area Tuesday after an argument regarding payment.

Love is seen in the video grabbing Gaines by the neck and throwing him to the ground. As Gaines attempted to get up, Love pushed him back down. A group of airport employees eventually separated the two.

Gaines was left with a cut above his eye according to a police report acquired by the Columbus Dispatch.

Love was held in the Franklin County jail Tuesday and appeared in Franklin County Municipal Court Wednesday where he was charged with assault and a first-degree misdemeanor. He pleaded not guilty and was released on $2,000 bond.

If convicted, the charge could carry a penalty as long as six months in jail and a $1,000 fine.

"There were some words exchanged, whatever, maybe something could have been avoided on both parts," the actor's lawyer, John Moore, said in court, according to The New York Daily News. "My client did try to back away from the situation, he was kind of overwhelmed, there were several individuals speaking to him about the situation."

Love tweeted about the incident Wednesday writing, "I'm only human no matter how many good days, I'm due to have a bad one, with that being said...I'm big on respect. You don't have to respect me just don't disrespect me."