Robert Pruitt (contributed photo)
STAMFORD -- An Alabama man in town to appear on "The Jerry Springer Show" was charged with assault after hitting a fellow participant on the popular talk show in the lobby of the Hampton Inn & Suites early Monday morning, Stamford Police Lt. Sean Cooney said.

Both men's scheduled appearances on the show have been cancelled because of the fight, Gary Rosen, a spokesman for "The Jerry Springer Show" said.

Robert Pruitt, 30, of Lincoln, Alabama was charged with third-degree assault, for allegedly punching a Houston,Texas man who he suspected of taking Pruitt's girlfriend's wallet and prescription drugs.

Police were called to the hotel at 26 Mill River Street at 3:30 a.m., on a report of an altercation, Cooney said.

The victim suffered a cut lip and was allegedly hit several times in the face by Pruitt, Cooney said.

Rosen said Pruitt and the other man were scheduled to be on separate episodes to be filmed this week, both on the topic of love triangles.

Rosen declined comment whether the show had paid Pruitt's $500 bond.

"The guests were brought in for two separate stories and the altercation had nothing to do with the show they were here for," Rosen said. "Given the circumstances of what happened neither story will be on the program."

The two involved parties, along with several other guests for the show, were registered on the fifth floor of the hotel, Cooney said.

Taping of three NBC Universal shows,

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"The Jerry Springer Show", "Maury", and "The Steve Wilkos Show" began at the Rich Forum in August. The network is leasing the 42,000 square-foot theater for two years, with options to renew. The arrangement is expected to bring 150 to 200 production jobs to the city, and $3 million in infrastructure to the city.

Pruitt was released on $500 bond, and is scheduled to appear in state Superior Court in Stamford on Nov. 20, according to Cooney.