Paul Andersonknown for his role as Arthur Shelby in the acclaimed British series Peaky Blinderswhose main protagonist is Cillian Murphy (Oppenheimer), was arrested on December 26 in London for possession of crack, cocaine, amphetamines and two prescription substances, diazepam and pregabalin. The unusual thing about the situation is that Anderson was also accompanied by another man and a 17-month-old baby. And the most striking thing was the argument given by his defense in the legal process in which he was fined.
According to Anderson’s defense, the actor is often pressured by fans to embody his character of Arthur Shelby, a cocaine and opium addict in the series, which has sometimes led him into complicated situations. “You will recognize the defendant from the very intense role he played in a recent television program,” the lawyer told the magistrates.
«He is often recognized and does everything possible to please the fans of the show by getting into character.. He was recognized that day and tried to perform for these people; “And because of the lifestyle he leads, people often give him incentives,” he added.
In addition to his recent conviction, Anderson has been the subject of an ongoing investigation into an allegation of misconduct on the set of Peaky Blinders.
Anderson’s legal situation, which includes a fine of £1,345, according to the Daily Mail, raises serious concerns for the creators of Peaky Blinders.
The screenwriter Steven Knight is currently writing the film’s script, and Anderson’s conviction could force significant changes to the plot or even the casting. Given that Arthur Shelby is a central character in the series, his absence or alteration from the film could profoundly affect the narrative and cohesion of the project.
With information from ambito.com