Kanye West has pleaded not guilty to charges arising from a scuffle with a paparazzi photographer last year.

The hip-hop star denied assault, theft, and vandalism over the incident at Los Angeles International Airport.

West and his road manager, Don Crawley, were arrested on September 11, 2008, as they tried to board a flight to Hawaii after an incident with a photographer.

The gossip website TMZ.com later posted a video clip of the incident, showing a camera and flash bulb being smashed.

Crawley has also pleaded not guilty to all charges. Both could face prison sentences if convicted.

West, who found worldwide fame with the songs Jesus Walks and Gold Digger, has frequently complained about the paparazzi intruding on his private life.

After being arrested and released without charge over another paparazzi incident in Newcastle last year, he posted a blog on his website calling for tougher media laws.

"Let us not forget that the paps killed Princess Diana. When will there a law be passed that simply enforces that someone has to ask to take a photograph of you? That would seem like common courtesy," he wrote.

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

West's next hearing is scheduled for July 15.