A US singer/songwriter accused of king-hitting MP Paul Gibson in a McDonald's restaurant carpark has broken into song outside court after claiming he was acting in self defence.
Mario Norman, 25, told reporters after pleading not guilty to assault occasioning actual bodily harm in Manly Local Court that he had done nothing wrong and that Mr Gibson had started the altercation.

"He hit me on the bottom of the chin and then I fought to get him off me," he said.

Norman said the fight with the Blacktown MP began when Mr Gibson allegedly ran over his foot in the carpark of Thornleigh McDonalds on June 27.

Mr Gibson claims he was thrown against his car and king-hit by Norman.

Outside court, Norman maintained his innocence and said all he wanted was an apology from Mr Gibson.

"He ran over my shoes. I love my shoes and he hurt my foot," he said.

"He should've apologised. That's how we do it in America."

Norman, who arrived in Australia three days before the incident, had been recording a song for his up-coming album before going to McDonald's.

"This is a good opportunity to promote my CD...everything happens for a reason," he said, before singing a few bars of a ballad for the media.

Norman's case was adjourned for a hearing in the Downing Centre Local Court on September 9.