Azealia Banks Arrested for Assaulting, Biting Security Guard
Azealia Banks was arrested outside a Manhattan nightclub Wednesday after allegedly biting and punching a female security guard. The rapper was charged with third-degree assault, a misdemeanor, following the incident, which took place after the rapper was reportedly denied entry into a private party at the Up&Down club. Banks was arraigned and released on her own recognizance, Page Six reports.
After being barred from the private party Wednesday, Banks soon began “screaming at the top of her lungs, cursing” and using racial slurs at the bouncers, according to the paper. The situation was momentarily mollified when the club’s owner, having recognized the rapper, gave her a pass to access the private party, but “once she was 15 feet inside she starts to curse at the guards again, explaining who she was, that she’s on Rihanna’s album,” a source told Page Six.
The female security guard then attempted to remove Banks from the club, but the rapper allegedly started spitting on the guard and “biting her in the boob,” causing swelling and redness. The bouncer later declined medical attention.
Banks was finally arrested when, after threatening to “call the cops,” she flagged down an NYPD Traffic Enforcement car and brought them to the club to confront security again. Only this time, Banks allegedly punched the female security guard in the presence of the police; “Why are you arresting me?” Banks reportedly asked police after slugging the security guard.
Banks has not yet commented on the situation on social media.
Wednesday’s arrest is actually Banks’ second altercation with a security guard in recent months: In November, the LAPD investigated the rapper for criminal battery and assault stemming from an October incident at Los Angeles’ Break Room 86. Video from the nightclub showed Banks scuffling with a security guard after she was asked to leave the club due to “unruly behavior.” On her way out, Banks reportedly attempted to pull a fire alarm and got into a physical confrontation with the guard.