If you ever thought that being in a boy band meant having a clean-cut image, and being on your best behaviour, well, One Direction member Louis Tomlinson has given us proof that even the most polite looking musicians can snap from time to time.

As Rolling Stone reports, Tomlinson and his girlfriend Eleanor Calder had arrived at LAX airport in Los Angeles, California, and were standing at baggage claim when paparazzi began to get a little too close for comfort. Tomlinson allegedly “pulled the photographer to the floor by his legs”, which resulted in the photographer hitting his back and head on the floor below.

Another incident between Calder and a woman who had filmed Tomlinson’s altercation began as the two were leaving the airport. Tomlinson’s lawyer, Marty Singer, spoke to Rolling Stone and stated that “the paparazzi provoked and caused the altercation that occurred with Louis at the airport this morning. […] While the altercation was going on with the paparazzi, three other individuals were attacking his girlfriend during this incident and he came to her defence.”

Tomlinson was detained by airport security under citizen’s arrest until police arrived at the scene. As The Sun reportsTomlinson was charged with battery, and has since been released on a $20,000 USD ($26,330 AUD) bail, with a court date later in the month.

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