Louis Tomlinson asks for privacy amid custody drama with son's mom

One Direction star Louis Tomlinson has asked the press to stay away from his family after launching a custody dispute with his son's mother.

The 24-year-old pop star reportedly filed a family court case against Briana Jungwirth - the mother of his five-month-old son Freddie Reign - in a bid to seek joint legal and physical custody of the boy, so he can spend more time with him.

And on Friday (01Jul16), Tomlinson's representative issued a statement, in which he requests all members of the media respect his privacy, so he can provide baby Freddie with "a normal, private and protected childhood".

The spokesperson claims Louis insists the amount of paparazzi attention on Freddie has reached an "intolerable and completely unjustifiable" peak, prompting security concerns. He urges the press to back off because he is afraid the spotlight on his personal affairs has infringed upon his visitation time with his son, in addition to creating conflicts with the activities scheduled in the child's day-to-day life, such as visits to the doctor.

"Louis appreciates, respects and values his relationship with the media and we hope he and his son are afforded the same respect on this matter," the rep stresses in the statement.

Meanwhile, it appears there are other issues that have prompted Tomlinson to resolve his custody feud with Jungwirth in court.

Louis started dating 21-year-old Danielle Campbell weeks before his ex gave birth in January (16), and Jungwirth's cousin Ashley Jessica recently revealed his new relationship with the model has created tension with his baby's mother and her family.

"Yes, it did hurt us, but life is life," she said. "I mean, feelings are feelings and you can't help that. You love who you love - it's just bad timing."