Kanye West has had his fair share of “less than ideal” moments in during his time in the public eye. From jumping on stage to give speeches during another artist’s acceptance speech time to jumping and whining at the 2007 VMAs about how he would never take the stage at the awards ceremony again, the rapper’s “temper tantrums” are the favorite subjects of bloggers and “legitimate journalists” alike. But a recent incident at a Los Angeles airport lends truth to the saying, “There is more than meets the eye.”
Kanye West Vs. Photographer At The Airport
Around 10 a.m. yesterday (September 11) morning, reports about Kanye West being arrested began making their rounds on the internet. Shortly after, celebrity “entertainment” website TMZ posted the run down of the incident supported by video footage of what happened.
A Louis Vuitton hooded Kanye West can be seen struggling with a photographer over a camera. As the photographer screams for the police to help, West is able to rip the $10,000 camera from his hands. West and his road manager, Don C, then throw two cameras to the ground, shattering them.
TMZ reported that West and his camp then tried to board a plane but were nabbed by police before they could flee the scene.
West and Don C were both arrested on vandalism and battery charges.
The posted $20,000 bail and were released shortly after their arrest.
Was Kanye West Attacked By Photog?
Upon his release, police reportedly escorted West to the airport where he boarded a private jet to Hawaii.
Although Kanye decline to give a statement to the hordes of reporters who gathered outside of the police station, he did take to his blog to address the situation.
“We back in the lab,” Kanye wrote. “I’m cool with the paparazzi. This guy wasn’t cool. I gotta work now… I’ll rant later.”
All seemed to be well until a new witness emerged claiming that the photographer “attacked” Kanye and the rapper was merely “defending himself.”
“I talk to him all the time,” said Charles Davis, LAX charity donator and provider. “He’s a very nice gentleman. Very nice. He gives good donations to help children. He’s got a good, kind heart. I’ve gotten his autograph several times. I just don’t see why he was arrested. The man just put the camera too close to his face. I don’t blame him.”
The paparazzi has earned a extremely poor reputation over the years for being too aggressive in their pursuit of celebrity photographs. They are assaulted, verbally and physically, and still keep coming. The question now becomes: Is it really worth it just to get another picture of a celebrity doing absolutely nothing?
Kanye West's new album "808s and Heartbreaks" will reportedly hit stores in the fourth quarter of 2008.
