Radio man beaten up at Scribe Christmas party

Police are investigating an alleged assault after a dispute involving award-winning hip-hop artist Scribe at a music industry Christmas party.

A 38-year-old executive from radio station 95bFM was taken by ambulance to Auckland City Hospital suffering a broken tooth and other facial injuries.

95bFM operations manager Phil Armstrong was punched several times outside the Grey Lynn Bowling Club, where the party was thrown by Scribe's management company, CRS, on Wednesday night.

CRS management said Scribe had no involvement in the alleged assault.

In a statement issued to 3 News, Mr Armstrong said the assault occurred when he was talking to Scribe and a group of his friends, all of whom were very drunk. Without warning, Scribe took exception to something and he was assaulted.

"I do not know whether I was assaulted by Scribe, but I was punched seven or eight times by an associate, knocking me unconscious and breaking a tooth," the statement said.

Mr Armstrong denied offering any insult.

"As far as I am concerned, the attack was unprovoked.

"I am, or rather was, a fan of Scribe and am deeply disappointed about what has happened."

Police were called to the club just after 10.30pm. Yesterday, they visited Mr Armstrong in hospital and Sergeant Richard Kapa of the Balmoral police said the alleged assault would be investigated in due course.

A worker at the bowling club yesterday said the venue was a mess after the party.

Glasses had been smashed and there was a hole in a toilet wall.

CRS had told the club it would pay for the damage.

A friend of Mr Armstrong said the injured man was discharged from hospital yesterday and was feeling "a bit sore".