Johnathan Rhys Meyers has released a statement about that paparazzi photo.

“I apologize for having a minor relapse and hope that people don’t think too badly of me.”

Johnathan Rhys Meyers was the subject of a media frenzy last week for a terribly sad reason. As the Bend It Like Beckham actor sipped from one of two bottles of alcohol he had just bought, he was photographed by paparazzi – photos that immediately made their way onto the Internet and in front of most people with a wifi connection.

After the photos surfaced, Mamamia ran a piece about how these images should never have been taken. You can read that piece by clicking here.

And they shouldn’t have. Johnathan Rhys Meyers has very publicly struggled with alcohol addiction in the past, and the images showed a sad, distressing sight.

But one week later, the 37-year-old actor has issued an apology for his “minor relapse”.

Johnathan posted the statement on Instagram, along with a photo of his fiance.

As a way to explain the photos, Johnathan said he was returning from a night out with friends and was yet to change. He said he stopped drinking immediately and is embarrassed by his actions.

Take a look through these non-papped shots of Jonathan Rhys Meyers (post continues after gallery)

You can read the statement in full below:

Mara and I are thankful for your support and kindness during this time.

I apologize for having a minor relapse and hope that people don’t think too badly of me.

I stopped drinking immediately and it is no reflection on Damascus Cover as I was not meant to attend Cannes this year and I apologize to fans and colleagues.

I am on the mend and thank well wishers and sorry for my dishevelled appearance as I was on my way home from a friends and had not changed I feel I made a mistake and feel quite embarrassed but this was just a blip in my recovery otherwise I’m living a healthy life.

Love and blessings.

We hope, for Johnathan and Mara, that he can move on from this and focus on his recovery.

To read more about alcoholism…

“My mother was, and still is, a functioning alcoholic.”

David Campbell: “My family’s alcoholism stops with me.”

The dangerous drinking and drug subculture to team sports that no one talks about.