Kanye West charged with battery over 'paparrazo attack'
Rapper is charged over altercation at Los Angeles International Airport
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.US rapper Kanye West has been charged with battery and attempted grand theft following an alleged altercation with a photographer at Los Angeles International Airport, a city official confirmed on Friday.
Los Angeles City Attorney spokesman Frank Mateljan said the alleged incident took place on 19 July as several members of the paparazzi waited for Mr West to arrive at the airport.
A video posted on celebrity news website TMZ of the incident shows the Grammy-winning rapper looking at photographers as he leaves the airport. West confronts one of the photographers and appears to lunge at him.
Mateljan said that Mr West, 36, also attempted to take the photographer's equipment from him.
If found guilty, Mr West could face a maximum sentence of up to six months in prison.
West is scheduled to be arraigned in Los Angeles on 10 October. His representative did not immediately return a request for comment.
Prosecutors refused to push for more serious felony charges because the photographer only suffered minor injuries, according to the BBC.
West is frequently targeted by paparazzi after striking up a romance last year with reality TV star Kim Kardashian. The couple welcomed their first child, a baby girl named North West, in June.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments