RUSSELL CROWE - CROWE DENIES TEMPER

Hollywood hardman RUSSELL CROWE insists he doesn't have a bad temper - blaming his violent streak on his masculinity.

The CINDERELLA MAN star, who admitted to throwing a telephone at a hotel concierge in a fit of rage last June (05), claims it's natural for men to need to express anger in a physical way.

He says, "I'm just a bloke. I don't think I'm quick to anger at all."

Crowe adds he and wife DANIELLE were the ones in need of protection from unruly paparazzi outside the courtroom when his assault hearing took place in New York late last year (05).

He says, "Did you see the footage of walking into the court building?

"Two hundred and fifty people and no controls. Absolutely barbaric.

"My wife got pushed, shoved and whacked with cameras.

"And I'm the one whose there for assault and having a temper?"