The woman who accused Kanye West of choking her has broken her silence. In a BBC interview, she described feeling 'suffocated and scared' during the alleged attack. The pressure on UK police to act is mounting.
This is a live story. The accuser, whose identity remains protected, gave a detailed account of the incident. She said West put his hands around her neck in a recording studio. She feared for her life.
Whitehall sources tell me the Met are treading carefully. Diplomatic implications loom. West is a US citizen. But the Crown Prosecution Service is reviewing the evidence. A decision on charges could come within weeks.
West's lawyers have dismissed the claims as 'baseless'. But the accuser's testimony is powerful. She is credible. The BBC has verified her account.
Backbenchers are already asking questions. Labour MP Harriet Harman has called for a 'swift and thorough investigation'. The government is staying quiet. They don't want to inflame tensions.
The clock is ticking. If the CPS charges West, it will be a global story. If they don't, the backlash will be fierce. Either way, this is a headache for Downing Street.
West remains in the US. Extradition is unlikely. But a warrant could be issued. That would complicate his planned European tour.
For now, the accuser has spoken. The ball is in the UK's court.
