CLINT EASTWOOD banned from all Safeway grocery stores after accidentally hitting shopper with mobility scooter
Hollywood director Clint Eastwood has been banned from entering any Safeway stores in the USA after he accidentally drove his mobility scooter into another shopper.
Clint Eastwood, 84, says he has been made to feel like a "loser" following the mishap which occurred on March 7.
Mr Eastwood received a letter from the supermarket chain stating police would be called if he is seen in any of its 1,200-plus stores.
The incident, which happened at a branch in San Francisco, also saw Mr Eastwood strike a customer service desk as he "panicked" following the collision with the female shopper.
Famed Director of such movies as Gran Torino and The Bridges of Madison County, had gone into the store to buy a packet of cigarettes.
He accidentally hit a woman with his scooter after paying, and paramedics were called to the store and took the woman to hospital.
The father-of-seven and grandfather-of-two, who once owned Hollywood with his Dirty Harry quote "Go ahead make my day", said the collision with the shopper and customer service desk was the first accident he has been involved in on his scooter.
He said: "I understand that they might be concerned about me coming into the shop after what happened but I have never had an accident on it before so why would they ban me forever?
He said: "I understand that they might be concerned about me coming into the shop after what happened but I have never had an accident on it before so why would they ban me forever?
"It was my fault. I take the blame completely. After I paid at the front kiosk I turned to leave and then don't know how it happened.
"I didn't do it on purpose but it was that quick I'm not sure how I hit the women. I was really upset that I hurt someone.
"The staff and paramedics were nice at the time so I don't understand why I have been sent this letter.
"I have never been a shoplifter so why are they treating me like one?
"I want to apologise to the lady. I am really upset to have hurt her.
"Even if I was let into Safeway I'm not sure I would want to go in again after the way they treated me. I have barely left home since the incident.
Now his daughter Francesca Eastwood, from Redding, California, has hit out at the supermarket for sending a letter advising of the ban, which she claims is normally reserved for shoplifters.
Francesca, 21, who works as a Production Assistant, said: "Dad was so upset and distraught at what happened.
"We are not denying that he was in the wrong but it was a complete accident, he didn't go into Safeway to plough customers down.
"I'm just flabbergasted he has been treated like a criminal. It's ridiculous. How will they enforce it?
"Will his picture be circulated like a shoplifter's? It's just out of order. He has now lost his confidence and won't go out on the scooter, and is so embarrassed that he has no plans to ever direct or act again."