Los Angeles, Feb 13 (IANS): Actor Emile Hirsch has been charged with felony for allegedly choking a female executive at a party in Utah during a film festival.

The incident took place at Sundance Film Festival Jan 25 at Tao nightclub in Park City and involved Daniele Bernfeld, who works for Paramount Pictures, reports tmz.com.

According to police, "Hirsch appeared intoxicated and asked Bernfeld why she looked 'so tough' and said she was a 'rich kid' who should not be at Sundance.

Bernfeld told police that she moved away from Hirsch to go sit with a friend at a table. But Hirsch, who has appeared in films like “Lone Survivor,” “Speed Racer” and “Into the Wild", came up from behind her and "put her in a chokehold".

Then, Bernfeld claimed Hirsch "pulled her across the table and onto the floor" and landed on top of her.

While on top, he allegedly wrapped his hands around her neck and began to choke her. Bernfeld also said that two bystanders eventually pulled Hirsch off of her.

Hirsch was charged with third degree felony aggravated assault, which is punishable by up to five years in prison. He was also charged with misdemeanor intoxication.

According to a spokesman to variety.com, Hirsch was arrested that morning. His court date is currently set for March 16.