Kansas City police arrested a 54-year-old man Tuesday night after he allegedly spit tobacco juice into the face of Jane Fonda at a book signing event on The Country Club Plaza. Michael A. Smith, a Vietnam veteran from Kansas City, was charged with disorderly conduct, a city charge.
Reached by telephone this morning, Smith called Fonda a "traitor" and said her protests of the Vietnam War were unforgivable. He said he went to the event at the Unity Temple, 707 W. 47th St., for the sole purpose of spitting in her face. He said he doesn't normally chew tobacco, but he did Tuesday. "I consider it a debt of honor," he said. "She spit in our faces for 37 yearsâŠIt was absolutely worth it. There are a lot of veterans who would love to do what I did." Smith said he receives disability payments from the government for injuries suffered in the Vietnam War. He said he suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder and nerve damage caused by Agent Orange.
Police said Smith waited in line for about 90 minutes, then passed a book to Fonda about 9 p.m. and spit at her. Smith then ran, police said, but quickly was arrested by off-duty Kansas City police officers hired to provide security for the event. Fonda declined to press charges against Smith, police said. 
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