LOS ANGELES (AFP) - A Ukrainian prankster accused of punching Brad Pitt at a Hollywood red carpet remained behind bars on Thursday and was given a restraining order not to approach the star, police said.

Vitalii Sediuk, known for past stunts including gatecrashing the Grammys, was arrested on Wednesday evening after knocking off Pitt's sunglasses at a premiere for his partner Angelina Jolie's latest film, Maleficent.

He was held on suspicion of misdemeanor battery and jailed in lieu of US$20,000 (S$25,092) bail, while police imposed a five-day restraining order for him to stay clear of Pitt, said LA Police Department (LAPD) spokesman Sally Madera.

The actor would have to go to court if he wants the restraining order extended beyond five days.

Sediuk allegedly jumped over a barrier outside the El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood and attacked the actor. Neither Pitt nor Jolie seemed fazed by the altercation.

Sediuk is a Ukrainian TV journalist who has a reputation for celebrity-related gatecrashing and stunts. At this year's Cannes film festival, he burst onto the red carpet, threw himself to the ground and put his hands around Ugly Betty actress America Ferrera's ankles for a few seconds.

Other targets of his affection have included Will Smith, Madonna, British singer Adele and Leonardo DiCaprio.

In February of last year, he gatecrashed the Grammy music awards, going up on stage after presenter Jennifer Lopez read out Adele's name, The Hollywood Reporter said. That stunt landed him in jail overnight, the paper added.