An over-enthusiastic fan who ended a Morrissey concert when he stormed the stage and rushed the 59-year-old is attempting to defend his actions online.
The incident occurred during the final song of Morrissey's Saturday night concert at Copley Symphony Hall in San Diego, when several fans climbed on stage to touch the singer's outstretched hand.
Video footage shows one man collide with Morrissey at speed, striking him in the chest as he tries to hug the 'Everyday Is Like Sunday' hit maker.
The assailant was dragged off stage by security and the concert ended abruptly. TMZ reported Morrissey had been "attacked", but a statement on the artist's official Facebook page disputed that.
"Nobody tried to punch M last night. Morrissey's fans are not malicious," the statement from manager Peter Katsis read.
"The fans were simply doing what they have been doing for almost 30 years. Trying anything they could do to jump onstage and touch him, or hug him."
"The fan in question was certainly more aggressive in reaching out for him than most, so security had to do their job and subdue the fan.
That's all it was. In the end no one was hurt, and no one was arrested."
One of the top comments on the Facebook post is from Carlos Rodriguez, a man who is claiming responsibility for the confrontation.
"Thank you for clearing this up," Rodriguez wrote.
"I admit it looks bad but the momentum to get up did look as if it was aggressive.
"I hugged him, Moz laughed and I was head locked. End of story."
While some fans praised Rodriguez for his "guts," many were unimpressed by his actions.
"It's just a game to you. He stopped the f**king concert because of you," one commenter wrote.
"You ruined the song for everyone, he was feeling that song and so was everyone else. Your childish shenanigans are not appreciated. Shows disrespect for Morrissey and his fans," said another.
According to TMZ, Morrissey normally hosts a meet and greet session following his concerts, but immediately left the venue on Saturday night.
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