Police Investigating Kanye West Paparazzi Tussle
Kanye West’s already-sour relationship with the paparazzi has taken another turn for the worse after a confrontation on Friday at LAX. Us Weekly reports that West is being investigated by the Los Angeles Police Department after a photographer alleged that he was “battered” by the rapper.
In a tense moment captured on video by TMZ, West can be seen passing through a flood of flashing bulbs before he turns to address one of the photographers. “What you’re trying to do is get me in trouble, so I step out and have to pay you like $250,000,” the rapper says, before running toward the man and appearing to grab his camera, with both parties sinking to the pavement.
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In a statement to Us Weekly, the Los Angeles Airport Police confirmed that the photographer reported the incident to police:
“Today [July 19] at approximately 2:00 p.m., at the Tom Bradley International Terminal (on the arrival level curbside), Los Angeles Airport Police officers were flagged down by a citizen (photographer) who alleged that he was taking pictures of an individual when he was battered by the subject. The alleged subject was not at the location nor was he observed by officers at the scene. LAFD was notified, responded to the location and transported the victim to a local hospital for medical attention. A police report was taken by the Los Angeles Police Department and the investigation is ongoing.”
According to TMZ, the photographer wants to press charges and the police are referring the case to the Los Angeles County district attorney as a felony attempted robbery.