The couple were not available for comment

Saul Lazo and Jose Gonzalez said the couple threatened them as they tried to take their picture near Hollywood's Chateau Marmont hotel on 6 November.

A lawsuit filed on Friday said the photographers did not harass the couple and stood more than 10 feet from them.

The stars' spokesperson said he could not immediately comment.

The case documents said the photographers were on assignment for a photo agency, and alleged that Diaz ran at Mr Lazo, hit him in the neck and tripped him, snatching his camera.

Timberlake then allegedly shouted at the photographer: "What are you going to do, man? I know you are not going to do anything."

'Ambushed by two men'

Mr Lazo allegedly responded by saying he was simply trying to do his job.

The case documents also said Diaz tried to grab the other camera after pushing Mr Gonzalez, who ran away along with Mr Lazo as Timberlake said: "Come and fight, you chickens."

The couple's spokesman said earlier that they were "ambushed by two men" on a dark street and acted only in self-defence.

Diaz turned Mr Lazo's camera in to the police.

The photographers said they suffered emotional distress and physical harm and request unspecified damages, as well as legal fees.