Hackman knew homeless man he slapped in US: Police

SANTA FE, New Mexico (AP) - A New Mexico police report said Gene Hackman had given clothes, money and rides to a homeless man he slapped this week after the man became aggressive toward the Oscar-winning actor and his wife.

The Santa Fe New Mexican newspaper reported that Hackman and his wife told officers they had helped 63-year-old Bruce Becker for several years.

The police report said Hackman rebuffed Mr Becker when he approached them on Tuesday and told him to get a job. Hackman acted in self-defence, and no charges have been filed, police said.

Hackman and his wife have a home in Santa Fe. The 82-year-old actor has won two Academy Awards and been nominated for three others over a career that has spanned five decades.