The filmmaker behind the viral Kony 2012 documentary has been placed in psychiatric care after he was found naked, screaming and pounding his fists on the pavement.
Jason Russell, who is co-founder of the charity Invisible Children, was detained by police in San Diego yesterday. He is the mastermind responsible for the 30-minute documentary which details the ongoing conflict in Uganda and the plight of child soldiers.
Witnesses claimed he was also vandalising cars and masturbating in public, TMZ said.
He was initially detained on suspicion of lewd conduct and being drunk, but has not been arrested. No charges are pending and the father-of-two is on a "5150 hold" as authorities determine if he poses a danger to himself or others.
Scroll down for video of alleged incident.WARNING: Video provided by TMZ contains nudity.
An online statement from Invisible Children CEO Ben Keesey said: “Jason Russell was unfortunately hospitalized yesterday suffering from exhaustion, dehydration, and malnutrition.
“He is now receiving medical care and is focused on getting better. The past two weeks have taken a severe emotional toll on all of us, Jason especially, and that toll manifested itself in an unfortunate incident yesterday.
“Jason’s passion and his work have done so much to help so many, and we are devastated to see him dealing with this personal health issue. We will always love and support Jason, and we ask that you give his entire family privacy during this difficult time.”
Named after Joseph Kony, the leader of the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA), Kony 2012 shows the war-torn country through the eyes of a former LRA child soldier called Jacob.
More than 30,000 children are believed to have been abducted by the rebel group, with the male children being forced to bear arms, and the females being used as sex slaves. The group has also slaughtered hundreds of thousands of civilians in central Africa.
Invisible Children is calling for an international effort to arrest Kony, disarm the LRA and bring the child soldiers home.
A statement on the website reads: "We seek to rebuild schools, educate future leaders and provide jobs in Northern Uganda. We are the motivated misfits and masses redefining what it means to be an activist."
Kony, a former altar boy, is wanted on 33 criminal charges, including 12 counts of crimes against humanity, murder, enslavement and rape.
The LRA began its attacks in Uganda in the 1980s, when Kony sought to overthrow the government. Since being pushed out of Uganda several years ago, the militia has terrorised villages in Central Africa, AP reported.
The film, which features Russell and his son Gavin, has been viewed more than 100 million times.
Celebrities including Angelina Jolie, Rihanna, Nicole Ritchie and Stephen Fry have all backed the campaign.