Published Monday, 19 July 2010
According to a tabloid newspaper, the 36-year-old was accosted in a Manchester pub by a man ranting about his character teacher John Stape's fling with Street temptress Rosie Webster - played by 19-year-old Helen Flanagan.
The paper claimed the actor was grabbed in a headlock before other pub-goers intervened.
But Hawley has denied the attack ever took place.
"I have never been grabbed in a headlock by anyone," the bemused actor said.
"Occasionally people will make jokey comments about John - particularly throughout the Rosie storyline - but it is always in good humour and I have never felt threatened.
"It is true that I tend to avoid crowded bars, etc - but that is as much to do with the fact that I am 36 and a dad, as the fact that I am a famous face!"
He added: "I am happy to say that I have never found myself in a situation where I felt threatened.
"John is the sort of character that does prompt reaction from people - but that is great, it means people are interested in what you are doing."