Snoop Dogg was arrested at Heathrow airport last night after a stand-off with police.
Up to 20 police with 10 dogs sped to a fracas which allegedly broke out when some of Snoop's entourage tried to blag their way into a business lounge.
Witnesses described seeing Snoop, 34, screaming at his minders, who began smashing champagne bottles. The hip-hop star - real name Calvin Broadus - was led away in handcuffs.
One witness said: "It was absolute chaos - there was broken glass everywhere and it looked like it was on the brink of turning really nasty. It wasn't clear what sparked it but Snoop was livid."
Another said the rapper became incensed with his minders and "was having a real go at them, swearing and being abusive."
"His guys went mad, smashing glass and causing havoc and the Police were there in a flash, swarming in from all directions with their truncheons at the ready. After a stand-off they were all led away."
One witness alleged the fracas began after Snoop and his 50 strong entourage - most of whom were flying economy class - tried to blag their way into the BA business class lounge at Terminal 1 but were refused entry.
A Heathrow source said the group flew in from Los Angeles and were waiting for a flight to Johannesburg.
The source said: "To my knowledge only three people had first class tickets - the majority were flying economy. Some were refused entry to the business class lounge and became difficult."
BA said: "There was an incident involving a group of passengers at our lounge where some passengers were rude and abusive to our staff and that's something we do not tolerate."
Scotland Yard said: "Police were alerted to a disturbance. Police attempted to direct the group to baggage reclaim. Members of the group then became abusive and pushed officers.
"Five men were arrested for violent disorder and affray. All are in custody at a West London police station."
Snoop was due to headline a series of huge music events in South Africa called the People's Celebration and was meant to play in Johannesburg tonight.
The star, who has served time for drug offences, is being sued for £12.3million by a fan who says he was beaten unconscious after jumping on stage at a US gig.
Up to 20 police with 10 dogs sped to a fracas which allegedly broke out when some of Snoop's entourage tried to blag their way into a business lounge.
Witnesses described seeing Snoop, 34, screaming at his minders, who began smashing champagne bottles. The hip-hop star - real name Calvin Broadus - was led away in handcuffs.
One witness said: "It was absolute chaos - there was broken glass everywhere and it looked like it was on the brink of turning really nasty. It wasn't clear what sparked it but Snoop was livid."
Another said the rapper became incensed with his minders and "was having a real go at them, swearing and being abusive."
"His guys went mad, smashing glass and causing havoc and the Police were there in a flash, swarming in from all directions with their truncheons at the ready. After a stand-off they were all led away."
One witness alleged the fracas began after Snoop and his 50 strong entourage - most of whom were flying economy class - tried to blag their way into the BA business class lounge at Terminal 1 but were refused entry.
A Heathrow source said the group flew in from Los Angeles and were waiting for a flight to Johannesburg.
The source said: "To my knowledge only three people had first class tickets - the majority were flying economy. Some were refused entry to the business class lounge and became difficult."
BA said: "There was an incident involving a group of passengers at our lounge where some passengers were rude and abusive to our staff and that's something we do not tolerate."
Scotland Yard said: "Police were alerted to a disturbance. Police attempted to direct the group to baggage reclaim. Members of the group then became abusive and pushed officers.
"Five men were arrested for violent disorder and affray. All are in custody at a West London police station."
Snoop was due to headline a series of huge music events in South Africa called the People's Celebration and was meant to play in Johannesburg tonight.
The star, who has served time for drug offences, is being sued for £12.3million by a fan who says he was beaten unconscious after jumping on stage at a US gig.
