Kanye West, Bodyguard Arrested At Los Angeles International Airport

Access Hollywood - September 11, 2008 11:49 AM PDT
Story photo: Kanye West, Bodyguard Arrested At Los Angeles International AirportAccess Hollywood

LOS ANGELES, Calif. -- Kanye West and his bodyguard, Don Crowley, were arrested at LAX this morning, the LAX Police Department has confirmed to Access Hollywood, which was the first news outlet to break the news online today.

The incident took place at 7:51 AM this morning at the entrance to the security checkpoint for American Airlines at Terminal 4. The two were en route to Honolulu at the time.

According to an eyewitness on the scene who spoke with Access, the incident began when Kanye approached a camera that was being aimed at him by a photographer.

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According to the gossip Web site TMZ.com, the paparazzo was attempting to photograph the rap star, when Kanye allegedly confronted the photographer, grabbing his camera (reportedly valued at over $10,000) and smashing it to the ground. Kanye then smashed another piece of the camera, possibly the flash, to the ground.

A TMZ videographer named Erik, who was also present, was attempting to videotape Kanye and the photographer, when Don (the bodyguard) grabbed TMZ's video camera. A struggle reportedly ensued between Don and Erik.

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Airport security intervened and took Don and the photographer aside, and spoke to both of them, later releasing them both.

Kanye then approached the photographer again, getting "in his face," Access' witness said. A group of flight attendants also saw Kanye confront the photographer again, according to the witness.

According to TMZ, Kanye then tried to board his plane, but overheard police talking with Erik about whether or not he had filmed the incident.

Kanye reportedly then approached Erik demanding the tape, yelling, "Give me the f****** videotape," which caused Erik's camera to smash to the ground (yes, this was the 2nd camera smashed to the ground)!

As the incident escalated, approximately eight LAX police officers apprehended Kanye, putting him in handcuffs, and took him and Don into custody, according to Access' witness.

According to Access' witness, LAX Police did not detain either photographer. The witness also noted that due to the anniversary of 9-11, police presence at the airport appeared to be higher than normal.

Kanye and Don were taken to the LAPD Pacific Division where they were booked and charged with felony vandalism.

According to LAX Police, "Airport Police had initially received the call as also involving a potential battery. However, following initial investigation, it was determined that no battery occurred."

An LAX traffic cop told an Access producer on site that Kanye and his entourage will be returning to get on another American Airlines flight, after they're booked. The next direct flights departing LAX for Honolulu are at 3:20 PM and 6:40 PM.

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comments 1-10 of 1490  |< newest · < newer · older > · oldest >|  hide comments · post a comment
  • LA92
    If security at the airport was higher than normal because of 9/11, why didn't they just take the photographers also. It seems like the paparazzi can go into airports as if it was a candy store, let them antagonize and snap pictures at whoever they please, and let them be on their way. What about the celebrity they bother, they get arrested in front of everyone and more paparazzi come..
    report abuseposted September 12, 2008 11:11 PM PDT
  • omg that is so un true!!!!!!1
    report abuseposted September 12, 2008 6:11 PM PDT
  • ASK
    I think he should be put away for a while for his temper, but also, the paparazzo should do some time for invasion of privacy. I understand the whole "free press" deal but, this is crossing the line. As for all of you critiquing his talent, keep the conversation relevant. I don't see you all doing half as well as he and as for commercial airlines, many stars have preferre
    report abuseposted September 12, 2008 4:43 PM PDT
  • mikeb
    what gettto thing to do lol book him danno
    report abuseposted September 12, 2008 1:49 PM PDT
  • CHIMBA
    Wow, for a "Show-Boat" no talent wanna-be, this clown was flying commercial? Come on! If this is how he "rolls" I'll bet the car he drives and the house he lives in is a rental. His momma would not approve of his behavior. I'll bet he will try to blame George Bush again when they decide to press full charges and throw him in jail. - Hey Kanye, do
    report abuseposted September 12, 2008 11:35 AM PDT
  • HERO
    all of yall HATING are GAY grow up your not famous get over it. when have cameras in your face im sure yall will get angry..o but you wont cuz your nobody
    report abuseposted September 12, 2008 10:09 AM PDT
  • Dbud
    He's not going to jail! Once again the papzz create a problem and its their "victim" that is aressted. Shove something in someones face and it should immediatly be shoved back! Maybe if we see a few more $10000 cameras broken they will at least back off enough so celebs can breathe!
    report abuseposted September 12, 2008 10:06 AM PDT
  • OK...let me get this straight, Kayne, the ,most talentless Narcissistic, self promotioning B.S artist in the music biz, who loves to be the center of attention, be talked about and have his picture in the press...is apprhensive to having his photo taken???? Shame his money is going to get him off with a wrist slap...he needs some jailtime humility.
    report abuseposted September 12, 2008 9:54 AM PDT
  • Christian
    He should of been happy with the good press, now it is all bad press, he must really think allot of himself.
    report abuseposted September 12, 2008 8:58 AM PDT
  • Chad
    It was early in the morning. So he's not a morning person...screw him.
    report abuseposted September 12, 2008 8:25 AM PDT
comments 1-10 of 1490  |< newest · < newer · older > · oldest >| 

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