Gym Class Heroes frontman Travis McCoy was arrested on assault charges on Tuesday after an incident at a gig in St Louis, Missouri.

The band’s manager Bob McLynn told People magazine: “Somebody in the crowd was taunting Travis with racial slurs.

“Travis invited him onstage with the intent of calling him out in front of the crowd, with absolutely no intention of a physical altercation.

“When he tried to help him onstage, the guy hit Travis in the knee area, forcing Travis to defend himself. At this point, a scuffle broke out.”

“This whole incident is unfortunate. Travis McCoy and Gym Class Heroes are anything but violent. Their message is about racial unity and having a good time.”

Immediately after the incident, Travis took to the stage and told the audience: “I’m sorry. But when someone calls you something that’s ignorant and that offensive, you have to bash their head in with a microphone.”

A spokesperson for the local police department confirmed the arrest and that he has been released on $500 bail.