http://www.local6.com/entertainment/4400956/detail.html

The suspect, Vietnam veteran Michael A. Smith, 54, Smith said that his actions were planned and he has no regrets. He said he's a Vietnam veteran still angry at Fonda for her trip to Hanoi in 1972.

"She's a traitor, and she cost the lives of a lot of good men," Smith, who was 19 when he was sent to fight in Vietnam, told KMBC-TV in Kansas City. "She didn't do anything to the government -- she slapped us in the face."

In 1972, Fonda, who actively opposed the Vietnam War, was photographed sitting in a North Vietnamese anti-aircraft tank. About her involvement in the Vietnam War, Fonda has publicly apologized for the photo. She has called it an incredible lapse in judgment.

During her Tuesday night visit, Fonda talked to the crowd about her trip to North Vietnam.

"We were sending people to die -- believing we were helping South Vietnam," Fonda said. "I made a terrible mistake, and for that I'm very sorry -- I really hurt people."

"I expressed my opinion of her -- to her," Smith said. "I had the opportunity -- a lot of guys won't have it -- and I did it for them."

Event organizers said the incident was dishonorable.
Jane Fonda speaks at news conference after returning from North Vietnam, Paris, France
AP Image
Jane Fonda speaks at news conference after returning from North Vietnam, Paris, France (July 25, 1972)

"We really need to learn how to talk it out with people who do not share the same opinions we share," said Vivien Jennings, with Rainy Day Books.

"It is a challenge for people to think -- to think beyond their ideas," said Roger Doeren, with Rainy Day Books.

"For a lot of us, the war will never end. And our war with her will never end," Smith said.

Police said they arrested Smith for spitting on Fonda.

Fonda, 67, spoke at Unity Temple in Kansas City’s Plaza shopping district about her new book, "My Life So Far," and her new movie with Jennifer Lopez called "Monster-In-Law."

At about 9 p.m., police said Smith, who had been waiting in line for about 90 minutes, passed a book to Fonda and then spit a large amount of tobacco juice into her face.

"He whirled and spit at the same time," said Jennings.

The man then ran away and was taken into custody by off-duty officers, who were providing security for the event.

Smith was arrested and charged with disorderly conduct, which is a city charge.

Fonda didn't miss a beat. The tobacco juice was wiped off and she continued to sign autographs for the next people in line.

"(Fonda) said, 'Don't worry, I'm fine. He just has issues,' and she just kept on signing books. She didn't even get up out of her chair," Jennings said.
Michael A. Smith
Michael A. Smith

Fonda is not pressing charges against the alleged spitter, but the city does plan to charge him with disorderly conduct. The actress, who flew to Minneapolis Wednesday for another appearance on the book tour she began April 5, issued a statement through Jynne Martin of Random House, which published her book.

"In spite of the incident, my experience in Kansas City was wonderful and I thank all the warm and supportive people, including so many veterans, who came to welcome me last night," Fonda said.

About 900 people showed up for her appearance in Kansas City.

Not all Vietnam veterans appear to be holding a grudge against Fonda.

In an interview with the actor/activist a day before the incident, Fonda told local6.com's Tim Lammers that she's gotten dozens of letters from veterans since the book has come out accepting her apology over the photos taken at the anti-aircraft site -- and others are issuing public statements regarding the controversy.

"There were four veterans in Dallas Monday who had issued a statement to the press that says, 'The guys who don't forgive don't speak for most veterans,'" Fonda said in a phone interview from Dallas. "It's a minority (of veterans) who can't get over it."

Fonda added that "the presidents who sent them (the veterans) there have the apologies to make," and that she hopes the veterans who are unwilling to forgive her will at least give her book a chance to get a greater understanding of her actions.

"It's one of the reasons that I wrote it -- so they can see who I am and what was in my heart."

Previous Stories:

* April 20, 2005: Police: Man Arrested For Spitting On Jane Fonda
* April 11, 2003: Jane Fonda: Iraq War Will Turn World Against America

Distributed by Internet Broadcasting Systems, Inc. The Associated Press contributed to this report. All rights reserved. T

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