Louis Tomlinson Arrested at LAX After Paparazzi Altercation

Louis Tomlinson was arrested Friday night at Los Angeles International Airport for allegedly getting into an altercation with a member of the paparazzi, while his lawyer said the photographer was to blame.

The photographer has not commented. The incident took place while the One Direction star was in the baggage claim area with off-again, on-again girlfriend Eleanor Calder, after they arrived from a flight from Las Vegas, reports said.

A police spokesperson told E! News Tomlinson was surrounded by photographers and there was some pushing and shoving. One of the photographers fell down and claimed he hurt himself. Tomlinson was subsequently placed under misdemeanor citizen’s arrest and later charged with simple battery.

“The paparazzi provoked and caused the altercation that occurred with Louis,” his lawyer, Martin Singer, told the press. “While the altercation was going on with the paparazzi, three other individuals were attacking his girlfriend during this incident and he came to her defense.”

Tomlinson was taken into police custody just after midnight and released after an hour after posting a $20,000 bond, records show. He has a court date later this month.

Reports also said Calder got into a confrontation with a female witness who began filming. She was not arrested and has not commented.

Tomlinson and Calder dated for four years before they split in 2015. They fueled reconciliation rumors last month after they interacted on Instagram. They have not commented on the status of their relationship.