Kanye West charged with battery and attempted theft over paparazzo attack

Kanye West has been charged with battery and attempted theft over a fight with photographer Daniel Ramos at Los Angeles Airport in July.

Paparazzo Daniel Ramos sued Kanye West after the singer apparently punched him and threw his camera to the ground.

Lawyers for Kanye West said he had only been trying to prevent the photographer from taking his picture.

If found guilty, Kanye West faces a maximum penalty of six months in prison.

Prosecutors refused to press more serious felony charges because the alleged victim sustained only minor injuries.

The altercation took place on July 19 when several paparazzi, including Daniel Ramos, were waiting for the rapper’s arrival at the airport.

A video posted on celebrity news website TMZ purported to show Kanye West appearing visibly irritated by the photographers’ presence.

He is then said to have lunged at Daniel Ramos and tried to seize his equipment.

“When Kanye West attacked me, I was in complete shock,” Daniel Ramos told reporters.

“All I had done was ask him a question. I was terrified when Kanye started to come at me. I backed up because I felt from the look in his eyes that he was going to attack me.”

Daniel Ramos added that he had been forced to use crutches and a cane after the incident.

Kanye West’s arraignment has been set for October 10.