Ross Kemp Recounts Viral Encounter With Armed Gang in Papua New Guinea

Ross Kemp, known for his tough-guy roles on EastEnders and his subsequent career as a documentary filmmaker, has recounted a harrowing encounter with an armed gang in Papua New Guinea that has recently resurfaced online. During an episode of the Daily Mail's "Tales From The Celebrity Trenches" podcast, Kemp detailed the 2014 incident captured for his show "Ross Kemp: Extreme World."

The viral clip shows Kemp being confronted by an armed group who demand money. Instead of complying, Kemp famously questioned one of the gunmen, asking repeatedly, "You gonna kill me?" He eventually diffused the situation without physical harm.

Kemp explained on the podcast that the gang was known for violent crimes, including sexual assaults, against locals and tourists. He noted that insurance companies would not cover female crew members for the assignment due to the extreme danger. "This is an incredibly lawless country, and it still is," Kemp stated, reflecting on his decision not to immediately get down on the ground as is standard procedure in hostile environments.

He elaborated that while armed with spears and firearms, the gang's violent reputation meant he feared the alternative to a potential gunshot. "I thought I'd rather take a shotgun wound or a rifle wound than the alternative," he admitted. Kemp also shared that his primary reaction during the event was anger at the intrusion, rather than fear.

Kemp's foray into documentary filmmaking, including his Bafta-winning series "Ross Kemp on Gangs," reportedly began after an unexpected meeting with an individual in Compton, Los Angeles, who had survived numerous gunshot wounds. This experience sparked his interest in exploring the backgrounds and resilience of individuals facing extreme circumstances, leading to his transition from acting to journalism.

The full interview with Ross Kemp is available on "Tales From The Celebrity Trenches" wherever podcasts are streamed.