Kanye West will probably never win an award for being the most personable dude in the room. But TMZ, a publication long renowned for its fact-based and ethically reported scoops, may have gone a little far with its recent denouncement of Yeezus, following an altercation with a reporter at Los Angeles International Airport.
The incident started innocently enough when the photographer approached West simply to tell the rapper that he was a huge fan, and how he couldn't wait for the sequel to West's and Jay-Z's "Watch The Throne" project. This comment caused West to fly into a rage (according to TMZ) and "manhandled" and "ripped at" the camera. Watch the video below to witness the "rage."
This, in TMZ's words, demonstrates that West is an "egomaniac who thinks he's bigger than the Constitution," preventing a paparazzo from exercising the freedom of speech that he is guaranteed. The fourth amendment Right to Privacy is not mentioned, incidentally. The assault described by TMZ involves West placing his hand over the camera's lens, while West explains his demands. Demands which make him out to be both "Anti-American" and a "fascist dictator."
The cameraman does seem to be a sincere fan. He tells Kanye that he "loves" the rapper five times during the 47 second video. In other parts of criminal law, this could be described as "stalking." West palms the lens and tells the paparazzo that "I appreciate it" in response to the praise. West makes his point and walks away, at which point the cameraman runs after him, realizing that surely the second attempt will go better.
The point: if you want to tell a celebrity how big of a fan you are, don't put a camera in their face. Freedom of speech is a right, but also a responsibility.
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