Matthew Newton was last month forced to withdraw as director of the Hollywood film Eve, after online backlash regarding his alleged history of assault.
And the 41-year-old looked strained as he stepped out in New York City after stepping down from the role.
The Australian star appeared pale and bleary eyed as he engaged in an intense phone conversation while walking alone in Manhattan’s East Village recently.
Tough times: Matthew Newton (pictured) looked strained on the streets of New York last month, a week after he stepped down as director of Jessica Chastain’s forthcoming film Eve due to his alleged history of domestic violence
Tied the knot? Matthew noticeably wore a silver ring on his wedding finger, adding fuel to reports that he has secretly married his girlfriend, 23-year-old Catherine Schneiderman
Paying no mind to the warm summer temperature, Matthew wore a black button-down shirt teamed with a pair of boot-cut jeans and Nike trainers.
The son of TV legend Bert Newton, 80, at one point shielded his eyes with a pair of thick rimmed sunglasses.
He noticeably wore a silver ring on his wedding finger, adding fuel to reports that he has secretly married his girlfriend, 23-year-old Catherine Schneiderman.
Denim day: Paying no mind to the warm summer temperature, Matthew wore a black button-down shirt teamed with a pair of boot-cut jeans and Nike trainers
Trouble: Matthew’s rumoured wife Catherine is the daughter of former New York Attorney-General Eric Schneiderman, who was forced to resign from his high-powered position earlier this year
Catherine is the daughter of former New York Attorney-General Eric Schneiderman, who was forced to resign from his high-powered position earlier this year after four women accused him of sexual and physical abuse.
Meanwhile, Matthew’s outing came eight days after he officially withdrew from Eve, a highly-anticipated Hollywood film, set to star Jessica Chastain, 41.
On August 11 he released a statement confirming that he was stepping down from the role as he wishes to do the right thing and take responsibility for his problems.
Under pressure: On August 11, Matthew eleased a statement confirming that he was stepping down from the
‘Yesterday I notified Jessica Chastain and the other producers on the film Eve that I will be stepping down as director,’ Matthew said in the statement.
‘Since the announcement of this film, the responses, which are powerful and important, have not fallen on deaf ears. I am profoundly aware that I have a responsibility to lead where I have failed in the past.
‘I can never undo the harm that I’ve caused the people I’ve cared about and I carry that shame and responsibility with me every day.’
Matthew, who suffers from bipolar disorder and obsessive compulsive disorder, went on to explain that he’s been seeking treatment for his issues.
Matthew has a history of alleged assault and domestic violence claims in his home country of Australia
Film role: Oscar-nominated Jessica Chastain is set to star in Eve, which Matthew was due to direct before he stepped down. Jessica is pictured in June 2018
‘Over the past eight years, I have been working extensively with healthcare professionals to help me overcome my addiction and mental health illness.
‘For the past six years I have lived a quiet and sober life. All I can do now is try to be a living amends and hopefully contribute to the positive change occurring in our industry.’
Matthew has a history of alleged assault and domestic violence claims in his home country of Australia.
History: Matthew, 41, has a long history of alleged assault and domestic violence claims (pictured in a 2012 mugshot after a Miami hotel brawl)
In 2006, he was arrested for the alleged physical assault of his former partner, actress Brooke Satchwell.
He pleaded guilty to ‘common assault’ after prosecutors withdrew three more serious charges, including assault occasioning actual bodily harm and stalking and intimidating Brooke. The conviction was later overturned by a court.
In 2010, Matthew’s then-girlfriend actress Rachael Taylor filed a protective order against him, alleging physical, verbal and emotional abuse, and he entered Sydney’s Northside West Clinic for treatment.
Matthew was also arrested twice in Miami, Florida, in 2012 – the first for trespassing and resisting officers, while a second incident saw him charged with battery and resisting arrest after he attacked a hotel receptionist.
Following the charges, Matthew checked into the Betty Ford Center in California for 90 days of alcohol and drug treatment. Both matters were later dismissed under the conditions that Matthew completes community service and writes a letter of apology to the hotel clerk.
Arrest: Matthew was arrested for the alleged physical assault of his former partner Brooke Satchwell (pictured) in 2006. The couple are pictured in November 2003
AVO: In 2010, Matthew’s then-girlfriend Rachael Taylor (pictured) filed an AVO against him, alleging physical, verbal and emotional abuse. The couple are pictured in September 2009