Diddy denies he punched club-goer

NEW YORK, Oct. 25 (UPI) -- Rap mogul Sean "Diddy" Combs said he "didn't punch anybody" in a recently reported barroom brawl, the New York Daily News said Thursday.

Combs has been accused of punching Steven Acevedo twice in the face at an upscale nightclub earlier this month.

Some witnesses said the confrontation was over Acevedo's ex-girlfriend, who is now stepping out with Combs.

In his first public appearance since the alleged fight, Combs told his side of the story just moments after announcing at a news conference his $100 million, multi-year deal with Diageo to promote its premium vodka Ciroc.

"I don't fight over girls," Combs said. "I am a human being. I am going to get into an argument at times, but I didn't punch anybody."

Police sources have told the News they expect the pair will settle the matter privately.