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Rupert Murdoch Hit In Face With Shaving Cream During Parliament Hearing

By:Radar Staff

July 19 2011, Published 4:00 a.m. ET

By RadarOnline.com Staff

Media magnate Rupert Murdoch was accosted Tuesday and hit in the face with shaving cream as he testified before a U.K. parliamentary committee in London.

On TV, a loud noise could be heard, with everyone in the room turning to one side to see what all the hubbub was about.

Rupert's son James Murdoch could be seen leaping to the presumed defense of his father, who remained seated throughout.

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At that point, the camera was panned onto the wallpaper in the room.

The police removed an individual from the room who was reportedly holding a "white substance," CNN at first reported.

A CNN correspondent then reported that a civilian wearing canvas trousers and a checkered shirt launched a plate with a substance identified as shaving cream on it toward Murdoch, telling him "You're a greedy billionaire."

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The media kingpin was shaken, but not harmed in the incident.

After a brief recess, the Murdochs continued testifying.

The suspect was later identified as Jonathan May-Bowles -- aka Jonnie Marbles – a self-described comedian and activist.

Prior to accosting Murdoch, he wrote on his Twitter page: "It is a far better thing that I do now than I have ever done before #splat."

Before that final message, he tweeted several postings mocking the Murdochs. Among his tweets: “It might be quicker if Baby Murdoch simply listed all of the things that he does know #hackgate”