22-year-old Conor Kennedy, the grandson of Robert F Kennedy Jr, was arrested after an altercation at the Bootsy Bellows nightclub in Aspen, Colorado after leaping to the defense of a gay friend who was being harassed in a bar.

According to the Aspen Times, the fight started when a group of men hurled a homophobic slurs at a gay friend of Kennedy’s.

Kennedy, a Harvard rugby player, asked the men to apologize, but the altercation turned physical and a fight broke out.

He was arrested and has been charged with disorderly conduct.

His father Robert F Kennedy Jr confirmed the incident, telling the Aspen Times he was proud of his son for defending his friend.

RFK Jr. said: “Conor has always reacted against bullying. I’m happy he stood up for his friend.

A further statement from Kennedy’s reps  released a statement saying that “Multiple witnesses to the incident have reported that two men assaulted Conor Kennedy after he rebuked them for directing a homophobic slur and threats to his close friend.”

“They also report that Mr. Kennedy was cooperative, compliant and respectful toward the police from the moment they arrived on the scene.

“Mr. Kennedy looks forward to a full airing of the incident.”

Police say they are “following up” on Kennedy’s allegations of homophobia relating to the incident

Conor Kennedy is the grandson of late New York Senator Robert F Kennedy, and the great nephew of John F Kennedy.