The New York Police Department is denying actor Russell Crowe's claims that he was processed faster than others on his assault charges a week ago.

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While some people can spend as long a 36 hours being processed after an arrest, Crowe said last week on "Late Night with David Letterman," he was fast-tracked in eight hours because of his celebrity status, based on part by actions of a police department film liaison officer.

"I've got some friends in this town," Crowe said. "People like Tommy Cronin at the NYPD made a few calls and, you know, just simplified things."

However, NYPD Deputy Commissioner Paul Browne said Crowe was simply boasting, the New York Daily News said.

"The only different treatment Russell Crowe got was a police escort to the courthouse, and that was for protection," Browne said.

Crowe faces assault charges for allegedly hurling a telephone at a concierge early Monday out of frustration of not being able to call his wife in Australia.