McCartney defends slapping photographer

Singer Paul McCartney has defended himself against allegations he slapped a paparazzo in an unprovoked attack in London earlier this week, insisting it was the videographer who "overstepped the mark".

McCartney was snapped confronting James Jenkins and hitting him across the face following a heated confrontation outside the former Beatle's home.

The star is adamant he was provoked, however.

A spokesman said: "Every day for the last 18 months Paul has had to put up with up to 10 paparazzi trailing him wherever he goes and these guys overstepped the mark."

Jenkins maintains he did nothing to antagonise the singer, however.

"You can hear on the video that I didn't say a thing," said Jenkins. It was him who walked up to me and became aggressive."

"His slap had quite a sting to it and I was left with a red mark."