Canadian pop punk Avril Lavigne has apologised for spitting at photographers after celebrating her 22nd birthday in Los Angeles on Tuesday.
The Complicated singer was leaving Hyde nightclub with husband Deryck Whibley and pals when she took exception to photographers trying to get shots of her.
Lavigne targeted a snapper working for news website TMZ.com, and called out: "Hey f**khead, come here," and spat into his lens, as her friends giggled behind her.
But she is now filled with remorse over her actions: "I'd like to sincerely apologise for my behaviour with the paparazzi.
"It's trying at best to deal with their insistent intrusions. I meant no offence to my fans, whose relationship I truly value.
"I have and will always go out of my way for my fans. My behaviour was a reaction to the persistent attack from the paparazzi.