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Superhero Impersonators Throw Punches On Streets Of Hollywood

HOLLYWOOD (CBSLA.com) — Costumed superhero characters were involved in a brawl Wednesday afternoon on the streets of Hollywood.

Witnesses said two Captain Americas and a Spider-Man threw punches at each other in front of the Madame Tussauds kiosk, feet away from the Dolby Theatre on Hollywood Boulevard.

"All of a sudden, two Captain Americas and Spider-Man started circling around me. Captain America just hit one of them and Spider-Man started bleeding," said Vernardo Stroud.

Stroud said he was forced to step in.

"I was stunned at the moment. Then all of a sudden, it just got to me…I got to get them out of the way. The tourists just looked around like they were enjoying the moment," he said.

Juan Diego, a native of Spain, told KCAL9's Suraya Fadel that he was one of the men involved in the fight.

He said the group was arguing over allegations of tourist harassment and issues of sidewalk territory.

"I tell them the truth. I tell them, 'You're a thief!'" said the Captain America impersonator. "That is not good for the image, the perception, the spirit of Hollywood. We are all ambassadors."

AC Simmons, who dresses up like Batman on a daily basis, said tensions continue to grow among many of the superheroes who work for tips near TCL Chinese Theatre.

"There are a group of characters who are actually strong-arming tourists and actually asking for $20 tips, which is ridiculous. And they force them to pay," he said.

No arrests were made and no one was injured in the incident.

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