will.i.am responds to Hilton accusations

will.i.am has rubbished claims that he assaulted celebrity blogger Perez Hilton in Toronto last night.

The Black Eyed Peas star admitted that the pair had an argument, but insisted that a fan turned on Hilton after he labelled will.i.am a "f*ggot".

Speaking in a video blog, the rapper said that he approached Hilton after he "disrespected" bandmate Fergie and was subsequently subjected to a tirade of verbal abuse.

"This dude walks away, I leave, and then [Hilton] says, 'You know that was very f*ggot of you for coming at me like that'. I said, 'Yo dude, I was just saying keep our name out of your mouth if you're going to be disrespectful'," he said.

"This dude says in front of a whole bunch of people and fans in Canada, 'You're a f*ggot, will.i.am'. Right, I'm like, 'Wow dude, whatever'.

"He walks away and then one of the fans goes a little crazy and like starts some stuff with Perez Hilton. I'm sitting minding my own business waiting for a car, but it goes to show you how crazy things can get. It's not that serious, it's all music and opinions.

"People make a career from opinions, which is cool, but don't be disrespectful about it. And fans don't get all crazy about it. That's all I got to say today. Tonight was a good night but it ended quite crazy."