Warning: This article contains graphic, sexually explicit language.

Tarrant City Councilman Tommy Bryant has been found innocent of a criminal charge for punching Mayor Wayman Newton late last year.

Bryant, 78, was charged with third-degree assault – a misdemeanor – for the punch, which happened the parking lot of Tarrant City Hall Nov. 7, 2022, following a contentious meeting over Newton’s firing of the city’s fire chief.

Bryant’s attorney, James Ward, argued before Jefferson County District Judge Katrina Ross that Newton’s “fighting words” – vulgar, sexual comments made by Newton to Bryant about Bryant’s wife led to the punch.

The judge agreed. After a bench trial last week – which means Ross would decide Bryant’s fate, not a jury – Ross issued an order adjudicating Bryant not guilty.

“The court is in the opinion that any ‘reasonable person’ would consider the words stated to the defendant regarding his wife as ‘fighting words,’’ Ross wrote in her ruling.

Ward on Wednesday said Bryant is pleased with the not guilty verdict.

“The good people of Tarrant should not tolerate the vulgarity and lack of decency shown by their mayor to women,’’ Ward said.

Newton said while he is disappointed with the judge’s ruling, he will continue to serve the citizens of Tarrant with the utmost integrity and professional demeanor.

“While in 2023, my colleague still continues to use racial slurs such as the n-word and ‘boy’ when referring to African Americans, I stand ready to continue to work with Councilor John Tommy Bryant and the entire city council for the advancement of citizens and stakeholders of the City of Tarrant,’’ Newton said.

The altercation between Bryant and Newton, who have been at odds since Wayman was elected as the city’s first Black mayor, happened at 8:20 p.m. that Monday.

Tarrant Police Chief Wendell Major – who the mayor recently suspended until the council insisted that he be reinstated – detailed in court documents and again on the stand Tuesday, March 23, what he said happened that night.

Major reported that he escorted Bryant to his vehicle after a “long and turbulent council meeting.”

While the two were speaking at Bryant’s car, Newton began to approach them and Bryant told the police chief, “I think the mayor wants you.”

Major turned to leave, and Bryant told him to have a good evening. Major said, “Same to you, sir, and be careful.”

“Mayor Newton said something at the same time I spoke to Bryant which I did not understand,’’ Major said in the report.

Bryant’s attorney in court alleged that Newton said, “(Expletive) you,’’ several times to Bryant, to which Bryant replied, “I’m cheap tonight- do you have a quarter?”

At that point, according to the police chief, Newton said, “I prefer your wife. She is cleaned out and I won’t have to worry.’’

Bryant then stepped in front of the chief and asked Newton what he said, to which the mayor replied, “I prefer your wife. She is cleaned out. I won’t have to worry. I can nut all in it.”

It was then that Bryant swung his right arm with a fist, Major said, striking Newton’s chin.

Major said he then grabbed Bryant by the shoulders and got between Newton and Bryant.

Bryant was then informed he was under arrest and taken first to the city jail, and then the Jefferson County Jail.

Newton was checked out by paramedics on the scene.

The mayor testified in court about the incident, claiming that he believed Bryant was propositioning him.

“I remember him saying he was cheap and would give it to me however I wanted it,’’ Newton said. “I told him, ‘I don’t get down like that, I much preferred his wife. I’m not gay.’’’

Under questioning by the prosecutor, Newton said he did not make any movement or threats toward Bryant before Bryant punched him.

“I was actually shocked,’’ Newton said. He added that his face was swollen, and he sustained a cut on the inside of his cheek that was bleeding.

He said he went to the emergency room the next day but didn’t have time to wait to see a doctor. “I took another aspirin and toughed it out,’’ Newton said.

The altercation was captured on surveillance video, which was played in court.

Under cross examination, Newton was asked what he meant when he said Bryant’s wife, Nancy Bryant, was “cleaned out.” Newton said it meant that she was past menopause.

Asked what the phrase “nut all in it,” meant, the mayor said it meant ejaculate in her vagina.

Ward then said that following the punch, Newton raised his fist – describing it as “giving a Rocky.”

“Do you remember dancing up and down like a prize fighter?’’ Ward asked the mayor.

Newton replied that it was his way of resisting hitting Bryant back.

The mayor described what he said to Bryant about his wife as “just words,” and didn’t warrant physical violence.

Ward asked Newton if he asked the police chief to alter the report regarding what the mayor said to Bryant that night. Both Newton and the chief testified that the mayor did not ask him to change the police report.

Ward also asked Newton about his suspension of the chief. Major has previously said their relationship changed after that night and, ultimately, he was put on suspension.

Newton testified that what Major put in the police report had nothing to do with his suspension.

“I have a concern that the chief is underreporting crimes,’’ he said, adding that he has asked state and federal investigators to look into the matter.

Ward told the court that “fighting words” is a legal defense. Prosecutors contend what happened that night meets the elements of the crime with which Bryant is charged.

Bryant did not take the stand, and his defense did not call any witnesses. Neither side put on closing arguments.

Bryant and Newton have a long-standing feud.

In August 2021, Newton was arrested after Bryant signed a misdemeanor warrant against him for harassing communications. Newton was acquitted in that case, as well as a charge of misdemeanor assault against the city’s former police chief.

In that 2021 case, Bryant accused Newton of shouting an expletive – “F#*&”- several times, and then, “F#*& your wife” multiple times and finally saying, “I’m going to F#*& your wife” several times as well as some other sexually explicit comments.