Russell Crowe could face a civil case as well as criminal prosecution

Mr Crowe was arrested after throwing a telephone at the Mercer Hotel's Nestor Josh Estrada in New York last month.

Mr Estrada's lawyer Eric Franz said he was investigating the actor's "antics", adding: "When our investigation's concluded, we'll file our lawsuit."

The star apologised for "possibly the most shameful situation" of his life.

But Mr Franz described the apologies as "empty gestures", saying: "I believe that actions speak louder than words.

'Proud'

"After he finished striking my client with a telephone, knocking him to the ground, causing my client to lay there bleeding, Mr Crowe then threw a ceramic bowl at my client's head.

"Thankfully it missed my client. And then Mr Crowe, rather that seeking aid for Mr Estrada or calling for help or trying to assist him in any manner, turned, saw two hotel employees standing there in shock, and took a bow.

"That's how proud he was of his behaviour."

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The Gladiator star must return to court in September to face criminal charges, which could result in up to seven years in jail.

He has been charged with second degree assault and possession of a weapon, the phone.

Days after the incident, Mr Crowe told US TV host David Letterman that his rage was sparked by a faulty phone system when he was trying to contact his wife and son in Australia.

"Hopefully at some stage, I'll be able to apologise directly to Nestor," the actor said. "But at the moment, he's not answering his phone."