A MAN who nibbled on a boy’s ear during the World Snooker Championship has broken his silence to defend his actions.
Stefano, 43, was caught on camera biting the child while seven-time world champion Stephen Hendry was speaking in a play break in April.
The forklift truck operator seemingly whispers into the kid’s ear before proceeding to nibble on his lobe.
Seconds later, the youngster waved to the camera – capturing the attention of Stefano – who then pulled a silly face.
Cops said they were “reviewing the content” at the Crucible in Sheffield.
But now the Italian has said his actions were a normal means of “sharing love and affection”, according to MailOnline.
South Yorkshire Police also confirmed that the matter was “closed” and no further action would be taken.
Stefano, from Desio near Milan, wrote on Facebook: “There are many clarifications to make but everything is in process (sic).
“I was just someone sharing love and affection like anyone else, that was exposed maliciously.”
He continued: “All the pictures are being edited in social networks, those pictures are not mine they are just setting this up to affect me….No more hate.
“My family are fine and closer than ever, I don’t care that my face is all over social media with photomontages and fake posts.
“Just leave my family alone. God bless you all and best wishes to you all.”
He has since deleted all of his social media his accounts.
A police spokesperson said: “Following review of the video, officers have determined no crime has been committed and the investigation has been filed.”
Fans on X/formerly known as Twitter were quick to comment on the video, which had amassed millions of views and nearly 70,000 likes the following morning.