One of the world's most iconic girl-banders is coming to the defense of a reigning boy band prince: Mel C is speaking out in support of Louis Tomlinson after Tomlinson was arrested for allegedly assaulting a paparazzo at a baggage claim at LAX.

In an interview with Good Morning Britain this morning (March 6), Spice Girl export Mel — no stranger to celebrity culture — addressed Tomlinson's Friday night (March 3) arrest. Mel noted that a young person in the limelight can only be provoked so many times before he or she instinctively battles back.

"It can be quite traumatic," she said. "There are times, I should imagine with Louis and what the boys have been through, that they have been at the height of their success and they are constantly pursued. You're not in a sensible frame of mind; you are in that fight-or-flight response. So I really feel for Louis."

Mel added that celebrities eventually come to expect swarms of paparazzi and reporters, and that all they can do to avoid incidents like Tomlinson's is try to keep their cool. Still, it's easier said than done, she noted.

"You have to try to control yourself as much as you can, but, you know, we're all human," she said.

Tomlinson was arrested for battery after sweeping a paparazzo to his feet and knocking him to the floor, TMZ reported. His team released the following statement:

"The paparazzi provoked and caused the altercation that occurred with Louis. It’s not the first time that a paparazzi has created an altercation with a celebrity. While the altercation was going on with the paparazzi, three other individuals were attacking his girlfriend during this incident and he came to her defense.”

 

Celebs Who Famously Smiled In Their Mugshots:

 

More From PopCrush