Zac Efron punched during L.A. fight

Zac Efron was punched in the mouth during an altercation with a group of homeless people in downtown Los Angeles on Sunday.

Efron, 26, and his bodyguard ran out of gas and were waiting for a tow truck when they threw a bottle out the window that then smashed in front of the vagrants, TMZ reported. At least three people were involved in the brawl, which started because the group believed the broken bottle was intentionally thrown at them.

Two people confronted Efron's bodyguard, and when Efron stepped out of the car to help, he got decked.

"It was the hardest I've ever been hit in my life," the "High School Musical" star told TMZ.

The squabble, which occurred in the Skid Row neighborhood, did not result in an arrest, according to law enforcement, because it was seen as "mutual combat." One source admitted to TMZ that Efron was "obviously intoxicated," although his rep failed to comment.

Efron had a stint in rehab last spring. Since then, the "Hairspray" performer has worked hard at staying sober, saying that recovery is "not easy." As one industry source close to the actor confessed to People: "he has temptations."

"He cut most everyone out of his life who were part of the party scene," a source said.

Some worried that he had a post-rehab relapse last November when he broke his jaw and had to have his mouth wired shut, insisting the injury was from slipping on a puddle at home. He denied rumors that it was because of partying.

All in all, Efron appears to be in a good place.

"It was an interesting year," he told People in January. "The best part of it was being able to reflect upon that experience and realize how much I have learned about myself - and the kind of man I want to be."

His next film "Neighbors," co-starring Seth Rogen, is due for release May 9.