Chris Hughes has pinned the cause of his late-night NTAs altercation solely on the snapper he was pictured brawling with, as he broke his silence on Instagram as he gave his version of events.
Speaking publicly for the first time about the incident, which happened outside the Intercontinental hotel in London's Greenwich, Chris begged forgiveness from his family, friends and fans for 'retaliating' and claimed he was repeatedly called a swear word.
It came hours after his girlfriend Jesy Nelson broke down on stage in joy as she picked up the National Television Award for best documentary.
"I want to address last nights altercation," he wrote on his Story.
"I was having an amazing night celebrating the award my girlfriend deservedly won.
"After coming out of our hotel a particular paparazzi decided to repeatedly call me a name I wouldn't call my worst enemy, and physically try and start an altercation," Chris claimed.
"As everyone can see I retaliated back badly to this which I totally regret.
"I'm human. No different to anyone elses. However I want to make everyone aware this was only in self defence. I hope people I care about, including my followers, family and friends can understand and forgive me.
"This night was about Jesys win and I'm sorry if I distracted anyone fron this. Ultimately, I'm the proudest boyfriend ever and want to congratulate my amazing girlfriend for a deserving win. I am so proud of you," he finished.
Mirror Online has contacted the picture agency, who declined to comment.
Jesy is yet to address the incident, but did break her own silence on Instagram by calling the NTAs a "magical" night.
"Guys I honestly do not even know where to begin with this post!" she wrote.
"I woke up this morning and my heart is bursting with happiness! I cannot thank you all enough for making this moment happen, there are no words to describe how this moment felt and because of you guys you made this one of the most magical nights of my life!
"I love you all so much thank you."
Police have since confirmed to Mirror Online that they are investigating a complaint of assault and criminal damage.
"We can confirm that at 03:52hrs on Wednesday, 29 January, police received a report of assault and criminal damage following an altercation between two men at Waterview Drive, Greenwich," a spokeswoman told us.
"The incident is reported to have taken place at a time between 23:00hrs on Tuesday, 28 January and 01:00hrs on Wednesday, 29 January.
"The reported criminal damage relates to photographic equipment. There were no reported injuries."
We have contacted Chris' rep for comment.
