According to Contactmusic, Macpherson was tackled by an assailant who wanted her handbag. The model was on her way to a London charity event. Macpherson had been invited to the Move for AIDS gala.
A man reached for her handbag as she was crossing the road to the red carpet. A witness explained, "We all just looked in horror as we saw a figure in a hoody come out of the shadows. But as soon as he grabbed for Elle’s bag she swung around quite calmly, just went for his arm and got her bag. The mugger reacted like he’d been floored hit and staggered back."
The would-be thief looked like he’d been floored. Macpherson was not the only celebrity present at the event. Actor Kevin Spacey and Australian singer Natalie Imbruglia were also in attendance.