Jonathan Rhys Meyers' Airport Arrest

24 June 2009

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Jonathan Rhys Meyers reportedly challenged police to a fight.

The 'Tudors' actor was handcuffed by officers at France's Charles DeGaulle airport in Paris after throwing money on the floor, drunkenly boasting about his wealth and shouting at officers.

He is quoted by Britain's The Sun newspaper as saying to them: "You wanna hit me? Hit me!"

The 31-year-old star was released from police custody after several hours pending further investigations.

He is one of the nicest guys in the world, he's a pleasure to work with. He has his demons all right, and he's trying to cope with them as best he can.

This is not the first time Jonathan - who has been in rehab three times for alcohol addiction - has got into trouble at an airport.

In 2007, he was arrested and charged with being drunk and disorderly at Dublin airport.

The charges were later dropped.

Days after the incident he was seen walking down a London street drinking a can of strong cider. It was later revealed he was struggling to come to terms with the death of his mother.

The Irish actor most recently sought help for his problems in February, when he was treated at an unspecified English facility.

It was alleged at the time that bosses on 'The Tudors' spoke to Jonathan about his alcohol intake while filming the TV show's upcoming third season.

A source said: "He is one of the nicest guys in the world, he's a pleasure to work with. He has his demons all right, and he's trying to cope with them as best he can."

He has previously spoken about his battle with alcohol, saying: "When I do drink I'm like Bambi. I'm all over the place, hopeless, like a 16-year-old kid. People notice."