New Orleans police calling on Russell Brand over alleged phone toss Russell Brand is in trouble with the law. On Thursday, the New Orleans Police Dept. confirmed to Access Hollywood they have issued a misdemeanor warrant for simple criminal damage in the amount of $700, for the British comedian. VIEW THE PHOTOS: Katy Perry & Russell Brand The warrant follows a Monday incident with a paparazzo, where Brand allegedly chucked a photographer's iPhone into a building in The Big Easy. Russell defended himself on Wednesday night on Twitter. VIEW THE PHOTOS: The Brit Pack: Hot Shots Of Stars From The UK! "Since Steve Jobs died I cannot bear to see anyone use an iphone irreverently, what I did was a tribute to his memory," he wrote. The actor is currently filming a movie in the city alongside former "Dancing With the Stars" professional dancer Julianne Hough.