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Kanye West denies assault

Hip-hop star Kanye West has denied assaulting a photographer in a "bogus" incident outside a Newcastle, England, bar that led to the rapper's second paparazzi-related arrest.

  • Staff Report
  • Published: 23:29 November 17, 2008
  • Tabloid

  • Image Credit: AP
  • Kanye West

Hip-hop star Kanye West has denied assaulting a photographer in a "bogus" incident outside a Newcastle, England, bar that led to the rapper's second paparazzi-related arrest.

In his blog, he writes: "When I left the club, I was encountered by a thirsty paparazzi as usual. He felt he had more rights to my space than me, so I put my hand up to prevent him from taking my image. I didn't assault him."

The 31-year-old star, who is currently performing in the UK as part of his Glow in the Dark tour, added, "I guess in all the commotion the camera scraped his nose".

West said that three hours later, five "very cordial" police officers arrived a his hotel room and explained that they had to arrest him because a complaint had been filed.

Although detained and released without charge, West said his reputation has taken a hit.

"It didn't matter that I wasn't charged or that I hadn't assaulted anyone," he said. "All that mattered [in the press] was that I was arrested.

"Right now, the paps are above the law and the people they shoot are below it."

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