BEIJING, Oct. 10 -- A photographer was charged with child endangerment and battery for allegedly hitting a child during Reese Witherspoon's daughter's birthday party at Disney World.

    Todd K. Wallace, 44, allegedly struck a 5-year-old ch ild with his camera as he shoved in the group to take pictures of the actress and her children last month, Anaheim, Calif., Police Sgt. Rick Martinez told the Los Angeles Times.

    The photographer also is charged with battering the 5-year-old's mother, who is a friend of Witherspoon, and two employees at a Disney theme park, said Anaheim Police Sgt. Rick Martinez.

    He was charged last Friday and was due back in court Wednesday.

Click for larger view

    Wallace became angry when the "Legally Blonde" star and her friends declined to be photographed Sept. 2 at Disney's California Adventure and cursed them, Martinez said. Wallace was initially cited for misdemeanor assault and battery of the two employees.

    The children cried as Wallace aggressively tried to take photos, using his body to shove children and adults out of the way, police said. 

    Tabloids must realize that "battering and endangering a child to get a picture for their magazines is criminal and not business as usual," said Witherspoon's attorney.

(Agencies)