Kanye West Strikes Back in Counterclaim Against Photographer

Kanye West is claiming self-defense in a counterclaim against a civil suit filed by a photographer he allegedly assaulted at LAX in July.

TMZ was able to obtain the court documents, filed by celebrity attorney Shawn Holley, in which the 'New Slaves' rapper claims that "his safety was in immediate danger" when the photographer approached him at the airport. As a result, the rapper-producer had to carry out the "assault" necessary for his self-defense.

Judging by the video, Yeezy might have a difficult time defending his argument but we digress.

As we previously reported, West has been charged with criminal battery and attempted grand theft stemming from the July 19 altercation with the paparazzo.

The photographer, Daniel Ramos, claims that his tussle with West left him on crutches for two weeks.

If West gets convicted on both the misdemeanor charges, he could face a maximum of one year in jail. His next scheduled court appearance is Oct. 10.