Christian Bale has asked for privacy after being questioned over allegations he assaulted his mother and sister in a London hotel.

Speaking for the first time on the subject, the Welsh-born actor said it was a "deeply personal matter."

He was speaking at a press conference in Barcelona, Spain, during a tour to promote Batman movie The Dark Knight.

The 34-year-old was arrested and bailed by police in London on Tuesday over the allegations which he denies.

"I would ask you to respect my privacy on that subject," he said in Thursday's press conference.

Source: Press Release