Justin Bieber is being sued by a paparazzo over an alleged assault which occurred in May 2012.

The lawsuit was filed yesterday (Wednesday 16th June) by Jose Osmin Hernandez Duran, according to E!. The photographer claims Bieber kicked and punched him. Hernandez Duran was one of many photographers attempting to take the pop star's photograph as he left a L.A. shopping mall with then girlfriend Selena Gomez.

A variety of statements have been made both by Hernandez Duran and Bieber's representatives. L.A. authorities apparently investigated the incident but chose not to press charges.

This news has coincided with reports that his former pet, Mally the capuchin monkey, is safely out of quarantine and has been rehomed in Serengeti Park, Hodenhagen, Germany. 

Justin Bieber
What a difference 4 years makes: Bieber appearing in 2009 at the Hard Rock Cafe, L.A. 

The 19-year-old acquired Mally the capuchin monkey as a pet last year and attempted to smuggle the animal into Germany without acquiring the correct paperwork or permission.

Mally was placed in quarantine when Bieber attempted to enter Germany with his pet. The animal had not had suitable vaccinations and was therefore health and safety risk. 

Bieber's behaviour has been erratic of late with numerous allegations of assault; dangerous driving and improper behaviour. A source speaking to Metro said "Justin has been acting like a right diva. He is out of control and lives in an alternative reality to the rest of us". 

Talk about cliché. 

Justin Bieber
Bieber performing in Liverpool on his 'Believe Tour' in February 2013

The singer was given a month, after Mally's time in quarantine, to claim his pet back. Contrary to reports claiming Bieber seemed "as fond of Mally as Michael Jackson was of his chimp Bubbles", the singer did not collect Mally. 

A report from British animal charity, the RSPCA, has indicated the increase in abandoned pets over the summer-not unlike Mally- where owners go on holiday but, unwilling to pay kennel fees, leave their animals to die. Director Ben Strangwood said "people are deliberately dumping their animals in out-of-the-way places - like bins, skips or on waste ground - and leaving them to die". 

Fortunately for Mally, he is safe and well at Serengeti Animal Sanctuary in Germany. The zoo's manager Fabrizio Sepe, speaking to the BBC, said "Mally is a clever little guy and we're confident that he will settle in quickly". He will shortly be introduced to other capuchin monkeys and will hopefully go on to lead a happy life in the barrel of monkeys. 

Selena Gomez
Bieber's ex-girlfriend Selena Gomez, pictured at the 2012 Billboard Awards, was with Bieber when the alleged assault occurred in May 2012.