CHRIS Hughes has apologised to his girlfriend Jesy Nelson for fighting with a paparazzi after her big win at the National Television Awards last night.
The former Love Island star, 27, is being investigated by police after he was involved in a heated bust-up with a photographer.
Chris Hughes was involved in a brawl with a photographer last night
He had been supporting girlfriend Jesy Nelson, 28, who bagged the award for Best Factual Programme, at the star-studded ceremony.
And now he has apologised for “distracting” from Jesy’s win on her big night.
“I want to address last nights altercation,” he said on Instagram stories.
“I was having an amazing night celebrating the award my girlfriend deservedly won.
He was at the NTAs to support his girlfriend Jesy Nelson
“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.
“As everyone can see I retaliated back badly to this which I totally regret. I’m human.
“No different to anyone else.
“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 Jesy’s win and I am sorry if I distracted anyone from this.
“Ultimately, I’m the proudest boyfriend ever and want to congratulate my amazing girlfreind for a deserving win. I am so proud of you.”
Chris Hughes was involved in a tense altercation with a photographer following last night’s NTAs
Last night the celebrations soon took a turn for the worst after he was spotted in an altercation with a photographer outside of the O2 arena in London in the early hours of Wednesday.
The Mirror reports that Chris started rowing with the snapper over claims he’d called him a “c***”.
He is now being investigated for assault and damaging the photographer’s camera in the shocking bust-up.
A Met Police spokesman said: “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.
The Love Island star appeared angry as the drama kicked off
“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.
“There have been no arrests. Enquiries continue.”
The hunky star was pictured leaving the five-star InterContinental in a smart suit and shirt before things kicked off.
Things got heated between the two
After being approached by the photographer, Chris dropped his bags on the pavement and began scuffling with the man outside the South east London venue.
In the shock photos, an angry-looking Chris grabs on to the photographers coat and grapples with him.
A member of the public looked on as the two men scuffled
Chris’ manager was forced to get involved
The reality star was supporting girlfriend Jesy on the night
Things took a turn for the worst following the ceremony
While in another, the reality star points his finger during the tense altercation.
Things were no doubt heated between the two as Chris’ manager stepped in to break up the fight.
Jesy, 28, was seen waiting in a cab with a male friends as the drama unfolded.
Soon after the scuffle, Chris was escorted to the car.
Jesy looked visibly upset after the altercation
Chris was spotted leaving the InterContinental hotel ahead of the bust-up
Jesy looked downcast as she left the hotel with a friend
Chris was ushered to the cab as Jesy waited inside
He appeared to explain the situation to Jesy and her friend
The Love Island star was clearly rattled by the altercation
Chris looked on from the back of the cab
The couple appeared happier on the red carpet
He was spotted in a tense conversation with the Little Mix car and her pal in the back of the cab.
It was a night of emotions for Jesy, who broke down on stage while receiving her NTA.
She won for her BBC documentary, Odd One Out, where she spoke movingly about the horrific trolling she received after winning The X Factor with the girl band.
Taking to the stage at London’s O2 Arena, Jesy struggled to speak as she cried.
Jesy and Chris held hands during the ceremony
Viewers claimed things appeared ‘awkward’ between Phillip and Ruth following This Morning’s win
She said tearfully: “I’m so sorry, this is so overwhelming, I’m such a baby. Thank you so much.
“I want to start by thanking the BBC for being the most incredible team to work with,my dear friend Adam for being the most incredible director.”
As she wiped her tears away, Jesy continued: “I want to thank every single person in the documentary for being so brave and courageous for sharing their story with the world.”
She then went on to thank her mum, who appeared in the documentary, and boyfriend Chris Hughes for “making me feel confident every day”.
Jesy wasn’t the only winner on the night, with This Morning taking home the gong for Live Magazine Show category once again.
Presenter Phillip Schofield looked awkward as he wrapped his arm around Ruth Langsford following their win in a “staged” acceptance speech.
Meanwhile, NTAs host David Walliams, who took over from Dermot O’Leary on the night, was booed by the audience after making a joke about Caroline Flack.
His actions caused a number of fans called for him to be sacked – and Piers Morgan branded him “nasty” and a “massive d***head”.
The Sun Online has contacted Chris’ rep for comment.
