Ryan Dorsey has asked for "kindness and respect" after his wife Naya Rivera was arrested on misdemeanour domestic battery charges.

Ryan Dorsey and Naya Rivera

Ryan Dorsey and Naya Rivera

The former 'Glee' star was charged with the offence over the weekend when she allegedly struck the 'Blood' actor over the head and in the mouth during a walk with their two-year-old son Josey in West Virginia.

Now, Ryan has taken to social media to speak out about the alleged incident for the first time, and has asked for "positivity and love" during this "difficult time".

In a statement posted to Twitter on Tuesday (28.11.17), the 34-year-old actor wrote: "This is a difficult time for everyone in the family especially for Naya and I. This isn't some reality show, this is our life, and I ask that everyone especially the media please respect our privacy and treat us/this situation how you would want a loved one to be treated. Perhaps with kindness, respect, without judgment, and as negative a situation this is, with positivity and love. Thanks."

It comes as sources claim the family of the 30-year-old 'Glee' actress are "very concerned" about her "well-being" following the alleged altercation.

A source told E! News: "Naya's friends and family are very concerned for her well-being. This is not the first time that their relationship has been violent, and the fact that she hit her husband and lashed out like that, is very scary to everyone around her.

"Ryan's family has been trying to console both of them but are very disappointed. Many people close to Naya are urging her to seek immediate help for the sake of her son and herself."

Naya was arrested on Saturday (25.11.17) evening in Kanawha County, West Virginia, and was later released on bond, before being picked up by her father-in-law.