Kanye West Attacks, Assaults Paparazzo

Last week, before boarding a flight at LAX airport, Kanye West made it very clear no one is to speak to him or anyone he knows. Ever. So, when a photographer dared to ask the surly rapper how he was doing as he was leaving LAX's international terminal around 2pm today, Kanye attacked him -- while throngs of cameras rolled and captured the assault. After he attack, Kanye fled in an awaiting car. Police and paramedics were called. The paparazzo complained of injuries, but there were no immediate or visible signs of injury. He was transported to a hospital via ambulance. Now it's up the DA whether they'll pursue assault and battery charges or maybe Kanye will hand the victim $250,000 for his troubles. We don't have an MD, but we're going to go out on the limb and say Kanye is mentally unstable. Why is he so angry? Is his baby mama and their newborn all right? Are they safe? Someone call DFCS!


Here's the video from last week.




Update: Los Angeles police has officially launched a battery investigation.

Update #2: According to the folks over at TMZ, police will forward the case to the DA with a recommended charge of felony attempted robbery (he "attempted" to steal the photog's camera), which is a more serious crime than battery. Nothing will become of this. This is LA, after all.


Update, Aug. 16: Shock! The Los Angeles County district attorney's office said it is declining to prosecute Kanye, but will forward the case to the city attorney for possible misdemeanor charges. In its decision against filing charges, the DA said the photographer did not have a significant injury and it's unknown if his camera was damaged. They also say no weapon was used and West doesn't have a felony record.


Update, Sept. 13: In a shocking twist, the DA has charged Kanye with criminal battery and attempted grand theft. He's scheduled to appear in court for an arraignment on October 10. (The photographer, Daniel Ramos, is also suing Kanye in civil court for assault, battery, negligence and interference with his civil rights.