In his first interview since their New Year’s Eve arrests, Sean Stewart claimed it was their accuser who was “aggressive.”
He said: “I’m not allowed to make a comment but I will say this; my dad always taught me to stand up for my family and my loved ones and that’s what I did.”
Asked about their altercation, he said: “He was being very aggressive. That’s all I can say. The truth will prevail.”
He spoke out it was revealed that Sir Rod, who celebrates his 75th birthday on Friday, is due to appear in Palm Beach Court next month over the alleged brawl at Breakers Hotel.
Both Sir Rod and his Sean, 39, were arrested after their family group, which reportedly included several youngsters, allegedly tried to gatecrash a private event at the resort about an hour before midnight.
In a statement to police, hotel guard Jessie Dixon said he saw Sir Rod’s party at a check-in table where they were trying to enter without authorisation.
Mr Dixon said: “They began to get loud and cause a scene.”
When they refused to leave, Mr Dixon claims that Sean “got nose to nose” with him.
When he told him to step back, he says Sir Rod’s son put his hand on his chest and shoved him backwards.
He then said Sir Rod stepped towards him and punched him in the ribs. The Maggie May singer and his son are named as “primary aggressors” in the police report. It makes clear however, that Sir Rod “apologised for his behaviour in the incident” and said that Mr Dixon had become “argumentative” with others in the star’s group.
The report also states that the arresting officer has gathered video evidence from the smartphones of hotel guests who witnessed the scuffle, which happened at 11.09pm.
Under Florida law “simple battery” is a misdemeanour offence which carries maximum penalties of up to a year in jail, 12 months’ probation and a $1,000 (£765) fine.
Sir Rod and his son Sean were immediately released after being formally charged.
They were both issued police notices to appear at court on February 5. Calls to Sir Rod’s UK-based publicist yesterday were not returned.
Sir Rod recently revealed that he had won a battle with prostate cancer. He told how he was diagnosed with the disease in February 2016 during a routine check-up and secretly fought the condition for three years.