Kanye West says he only fought with a photographer at LAX Airport because he feared for his safety, according to court documents filed by his attorney.
The rapper, who was charged with battery and grand theft after he allegedly attacked paparazzo Daniel Ramos in July, is also being sued by the man.
But the 36-year-old claims "his safety was in immediate danger" when the photographer started asking him questions as he left LAX and walked to a car.
The altercation, which was captured on video (above) showed Kanye West accusing Ramos of trying to provoke him before he lunged at the paparazzo.
West attacked the photographer in a fit of rage and left the scene.
Paramedics came, but not until after he fired-up rapper had split. An ambulance transported Ramos to the hospital; the extent of his injuries is unclear.
In response to the charges, West claims he was only doing what was "necessary for his self-defense and safety and was justified in doing those acts."
He faces up to a year in jail if convicted of the criminal charges.
The Hollywood Gossip