Joel Madden (Good Charlotte) accused of battering a woman

Joel Madden of Good Charlotte has been accused of battering a woman in Beverly Hills. According to gossip site TMZ, which also has video and photos, the Beverly Hills Police Department is investigating rocker Joel
Madden, after a female photographer filed a "crime report" claiming he attacked her during a violent
confrontation Sunday night.

According to police sources, the woman claimed Madden struck her on the left breast "with the heel of his hand" as
the rocker tried to escort his girlfriend, Nicole Richie, out of the back door of Mr. Chow restaurant in Beverly
Hills. The photographer told TMZ that she has a welt to prove it, and had to see a doctor for treatment.

Madden can be seen throwing a forceful, open-handed stiff-arm into the chest of another paparazzo, moments after
the alleged incident. Police reps also tell TMZ that they take every claim seriously, and a crime report was taken on this incident.

Madden's band is currently gearing up for the release of Good Mourning Revival. The record is due out March 22nd.