P Diddy arrest: Hip-hop mogul denies assault charges claiming he was 'protecting his son'

Rapper Sean "P Diddy" Combs has claimed he was simply protecting his son in an incident at a college campus that led to his arrest.

The Bad Boy Records boss was arrested at the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) after an alleged altercation with his son Justin Combs' football coach.

According to TMZ, the hip-hop star attacked Sal Alosi with a kettle bell weight after the sports coach reportedly criticised 21-year-old Justin. Diddy is said to have witnessed an assistant coach yelling at his son during a training session as the rapper stood on the sidelines. He attempted to talk to the assistant coach, believing he had an "issue" with his son, and followed the coach into his office.

The dispute escalated, however, and Diddy missed making contact with the heavy weight and no one was seriously injured in the incident, police have confirmed.

Nathalie Moar, who works at Combs Enterprises, released a statement explaining: "The various accounts of the event and charges that are being reported are wholly inaccurate. What we can say now is that any actions taken by Mr Combs were solely defensive in nature to protect himself and his son. We are confident that once the true facts are revealed, the case will be dismissed."

University police allege three counts of assault with a deadly weapon, one count of making terrorist threats and one count of battery, UCLA said in a statement.

UCLA head coach Jim Mora described it as an "unfortunate incident for all parties involved".

"While UCPD continues to review this matter, we will let the legal process run its course and refrain from further comment at this time," he said.

The 45 year old posted bail of $50,000 (£31,681) on 22 June several hours after his arrest and was subsequently released from the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department.

After the arrest, Justin Combs posted an image of himself and his father on his Instagram alongside the caption: "I thank God for having a father that's always there for me... Love you pops!"

Justin Combs is a redshirt junior defensive back on the UCLA football team on a scholarship. Rapper Snoop Dogg's son Cordell Broadus is also on the team.

Diddy's long-time rival 50 Cent has mocked the incident by filming a spoof and sharing memes on Instagram.

A jury acquitted Diddy in 2001 of weapons possession and attempted bribery charges after a 1999 shooting at a Manhattan dance club. In 1997 Combs witnessed the killing of Christopher Wallace, known as Notorious BIG in Los Angeles.

The rapper is scheduled to appear in court on 13 July.