Sep 11 2008Kanye West arrested for vandalism at LAX
Kanye West and his bodyguard were arrested this morning at LAX after attacking members of the paparazzi. The two are facing charges of felony vandalism for smashing over $10,000 worth of camera equipment. TMZ photographer Erik was at the scene and had his camera destroyed by Kanye's bodyguard. Here's his account:
Erik says he was at Terminal 4 (American Airlines) when he noticed a still photog taking several pictures of Kanye West. Erik says West rushed the photog and grabbed his camera. A struggle ensued and the still guy was screaming, "Police, help!" Erik says Kanye then took the still camera and threw it on the ground, breaking it into pieces.
Erik then went over to Kanye, his camera rolling, when Kanye's bodyguard walked up to him, realized Erik was taping, and said, "Give me the camera, give me the camera." Erik responded that he had a press pass and had a right to shoot. The assistant then grabbed the camera, ripped off the mic and viewfinder and smashed it to the ground.
Erik says Kanye then tried to leave to board his plane, but cops stopped him before he got to security. The cops then interviewed Erik, the still photog, Kanye and his assistant.
This is where it gets crazy. The cops asked Erik if he videotaped the incident and Erik said he had. That's when Kanye lunged toward him and said, "Give me the fu***ng videotape." Cops had to restrain Kanye as he tried coming at Erik.
You know what's always smart? Attacking an eyewitness right in front of the police. When it comes to genius legal maneuvers, you just can't lose with that one - except for completely and, wow, what a fucking idiot. That said, Jesus, Kanye, if you're going to do something, don't half-ass it. Ask to use the officer's gun. You pay taxes.
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Reader Comments
1. Lisa - September 11, 2008 1:19 PM
Sweet! Nice to see him stay in control like usual.
2. Martin Bormann - September 11, 2008 1:20 PM
He'll do about 1 hour in jail.
3. rough daddy - September 11, 2008 1:23 PM
pompous jackass, im not reading all this crap,,,not that interested
4. LL - September 11, 2008 1:25 PM
What a retard. Now he'll have twice as many douchebags taking his picture the next time he walks through an airport, waiting for him to do some stupid shit like this. Moron.
5. Sid - September 11, 2008 1:26 PM
In a way, this is another type of emotional tribute to his mom.
6. obama sucks - September 11, 2008 1:28 PM
It's all a publicity stunt so he can get more street cred like Fiddy Sent
7. Chris - September 11, 2008 1:30 PM
They'll drop all charges once he admits that he was retaining water and breaking out.
8. Swizzlestick - September 11, 2008 1:33 PM
Kanye West doesn't care about white people.
9. Booya - September 11, 2008 1:34 PM
GOOD! I hate that arrogant douchebag
be glad when he finally goes broke all MC Hammer style... and AIDS it'd be good if he got AIDS.
10. Link - September 11, 2008 1:35 PM
ANGRY BLACK MAN IN THE BUILDING!
11. dana - September 11, 2008 1:35 PM
he should just blame this on george bush
12. Barack Obama - September 11, 2008 1:35 PM
Vote for me. I'm a radical Marxist.
13. Where's Darkwing Duck? - September 11, 2008 1:37 PM
Well, you know what they say,
You can take the nigga out the 'hood, but you can't....
Wait, his mom was a Dr? He was raised in the suburbs?
Kanye West is a whiny, douchebag faggot.
14. Barack Obama - September 11, 2008 1:38 PM
I'm f'ing Matt Damon!!
15. Bucky Goldstein - September 11, 2008 1:39 PM
Kanye West doesn't care about Jewish Cowboys.
16. Michelle Obama - September 11, 2008 1:41 PM
I'M f'ing Matt Damon!!!!!!!!!
17. McCain supporter - September 11, 2008 1:42 PM
See, this is why I could never vote for Obama. Just looking at a picture of a nigger - any nigger - makes me sick.
18. Skeeter McGillicuddy - September 11, 2008 1:43 PM
Kanye West doesn't care about Scottish hillbillies.
19. Barack Obama - September 11, 2008 1:43 PM
Ah's promiss not to use mah powah to keep bruthas down lok dis.
20. FRIST!!! - September 11, 2008 1:43 PM
rough daddy, I'm sure if you ask nicely, your cubicle buddy will read it to you, big words and all..
21. Barak Obama - September 11, 2008 1:43 PM
What did you expect from a porch monkey? Whitey (Britney Spears) only attack the paps when they are high on drugs, not when they are uneducated scum.
22. veggi - September 11, 2008 1:46 PM
@19- Is that you rough daddy??
23. FIZ - September 11, 2008 1:47 PM
Does anyone else notice his double jointed finger tips?
24. bah - September 11, 2008 1:48 PM
Keepin' it Klassy Kanye!
25. Bleh - September 11, 2008 1:49 PM
I don't think that's the real Obama....
Somethings not right here
26. rough daddy - September 11, 2008 1:50 PM
Frist=lonely, and youre not getting my attention, unless y
27. rough daddy - September 11, 2008 1:51 PM
you get that link working again with a clear pic
28. Barack Obama - September 11, 2008 1:52 PM
Ah aint rough daddy Bitch! Ah knows YOU veggi, but y'all don' know ME. rough daddy a noob here anywayz.
29. obama sucks - September 11, 2008 1:53 PM
He looks like a metrosexual with those long skinny fingers and wearing those dopey sunglasses indoors
30. Poon Tang - September 11, 2008 1:53 PM
. I'm glad Kanye & his bodyguard did that. Famous people are seriously harassed these days and it's good to see that they're striking back against the people who disrespect their privacy on a regular basis. Paparazzi are fucking scum and need to get REAL JOBS
31. sixpack - September 11, 2008 1:57 PM
This guy is such a raging 'bag.
32. Vince Lombardi - September 11, 2008 1:59 PM
"TMZ hates Black people."
33. bah - September 11, 2008 1:59 PM
@30
hey dumbass, do you own any expensive film or video equipment? hows about i smash it for fun? is he that retarded that he doesn't understand the concept of assault?
he'll sure as fuck get it when they both sue his ass and he ends up tied up in court over something so immature, unless he settles. either way, this will cost him. he deserves it, dude's a whiny cocksucker who takes his aggression out on his mac book air (again, total fag)
34. Vince Lombardi - September 11, 2008 2:02 PM
I guess if my mom died during a needless cosmetic surgical procedure that I paid for from money that I obtained without any discernible talent, I'd hit a guy taking my picture, too.
35. veggi - September 11, 2008 2:04 PM
See that FRIST!!!? You aren't getting any of assclowns attention unless y..
What is that rough daddy?? The chromosome you're missing?? The sound your mouth makes when you look in the mirror?? Just another post that doesn't contain a complete sentence??
36. Notsure - September 11, 2008 2:05 PM
Just going to throw this out there for the Superfish... Wouldn't this be a second-hand account of Erik's witness to the incident?
37. rough daddy - September 11, 2008 2:13 PM
#35 ohhh now i see why you chose that name veggi, you type in a vegetative state! now it all make sense!
38. Hollard - September 11, 2008 2:16 PM
Listen, I am by no means a racist, but Kanye is a fucking nigger.
N i g g e r.
N i g g e r.
N i g g e r.
39. Racer X - September 11, 2008 2:22 PM
Racist.^
40. Right Fury - September 11, 2008 2:26 PM
This is a conspiracy. How dare you you question Kanye? He had a good reason for going ghetto on 'dat ass.
Don't worry. When Osama gets elected, he'll hook a brutha up and throw him a pardon.
41. FRIST!!! - September 11, 2008 2:27 PM
#35 refer to #26 perhaps you prematurely hit submit the same way you prematurely ejaculate on you cat..
42. Jessica Lubber - September 11, 2008 2:32 PM
He's got one of those DNC get out of jail cards like Bon Jovi's guitarist. Nothing will happen as long as he continues to be a gracious party favor for the big donors.
43. rough daddy - September 11, 2008 2:40 PM
"on you cat" what college did you learn this sentence?
44. rough daddy's gay lover - September 11, 2008 2:48 PM
come back to bed silly my bottom is all lubed up for you tough guy
45. ansel adams - September 11, 2008 3:04 PM
Kanye is a douche bag. What a waste of space. Someone needs to fuck that guy up.
46. TJ - September 11, 2008 3:13 PM
Can anyone say, Fatherless Welfare Garbage with money??
47. Flip - September 11, 2008 3:14 PM
What an effing idiot, I hate this talentless douchebag! Anyone here know what REAL Hip-Hop sounds like? A hint; it's never played on MTV...
48. TJ - September 11, 2008 3:15 PM
#38: BINGO.
49. Pussy Galore - September 11, 2008 3:18 PM
He stole my mom's sunglasses! WTF!
50. Pastor Larry - September 11, 2008 3:34 PM
You people are unbelievable! Still haters after all these years. Deportation of Asian people after Pearl Harbour, Slavery, rape, torture, humiliation of countless slaves-how many of your so-called Whites have half-black cousins or native -american blood. Suppression of Native Americans on reservations, lying stealing and killing for their land. burnign crosses and bombing innocent children while they attend church. Giving black men Syphylis and no cure so our US government can study the disease(see Tuskegee study) enslaving Chinese for cheap labour. Not one White in this world has cause to ever hate a person of another color-EVER! You all need to beg for forgiveness from GOD because where your going is going to be horrible. THERE WILL BE NO SEGREGATION IN HEAVEN PEOPLE! your ignorance, racism and hate sicken me and make me ashamed of belonging to your race. Hate all you want lie(like a Republican) but you WILL not escape judgement. I think the White race knows it's guilty and hates itself and turns that hate outward. Even our US Presidents slept with their slaves and professed Godliness on Sunday. God Hates liars. Read your Bible ...ALL liars and others will go to Hell. Even Ex-prez Clinton--scumbag that he was had the balls to apologize. Kanye's Mom had the same right as any person or celebrity to get plastic surgery. I don't hear any of you guys whining as you drool over all kinds of celebs who have probably had miles of surgery and tons of air-brushed photos. A little less hate is in order. God made people the color, race that HE choose to make them and who are you to criticize HIS work? No one will escape judgement no matter how hateful or racist you want to be. Most of you will never sell an album and make millions or hang with famous people and certainly not with your hateful, ugly souls and attitudes. Who'd want to be around you other than other ignorant, ugly hateful people?
51. Pastor Larry - September 11, 2008 3:37 PM
You people are unbelievable! Still haters after all these years. Deportation of Asian people after Pearl Harbour, Slavery, rape, torture, humiliation of countless slaves-how many of your so-called Whites have half-black cousins or native -american blood. Suppression of Native Americans on reservations, lying stealing and killing for their land. burnign crosses and bombing innocent children while they attend church. Giving black men Syphylis and no cure so our US government can study the disease(see Tuskegee study) enslaving Chinese for cheap labour. Not one White in this world has cause to ever hate a person of another color-EVER! You all need to beg for forgiveness from GOD because where your going is going to be horrible. THERE WILL BE NO SEGREGATION IN HEAVEN PEOPLE! your ignorance, racism and hate sicken me and make me ashamed of belonging to your race. Hate all you want lie(like a Republican) but you WILL not escape judgement. I think the White race knows it's guilty and hates itself and turns that hate outward. Even our US Presidents slept with their slaves and professed Godliness on Sunday. God Hates liars. Read your Bible ...ALL liars and others will go to Hell. Even Ex-prez Clinton--scumbag that he was had the balls to apologize. Kanye's Mom had the same right as any person or celebrity to get plastic surgery. I don't hear any of you guys whining as you drool over all kinds of celebs who have probably had miles of surgery and tons of air-brushed photos. A little less hate is in order. God made people the color, race that HE choose to make them and who are you to criticize HIS work? No one will escape judgement no matter how hateful or racist you want to be. Most of you will never sell an album and make millions or hang with famous people and certainly not with your hateful, ugly souls and attitudes. Who'd want to be around you other than other ignorant, ugly hateful people? What's appropriate about racist language? Reporting your site.
52. Mos - September 11, 2008 3:43 PM
In other news, Pastor Larry is a repressed homosexual who fantasizes about getting gang-raped by uneducated black men with syphylis.
Good luck with that, Larry.
PS - God hates you.
53. Danklin24 - September 11, 2008 4:01 PM
What a fucking moron. I cant stand this guy. What a way to incriminate yourself and make yourself look like a douchebag KAnye. You da man. Fucking jackoff.
54. JimmyBachaFungool - September 11, 2008 4:09 PM
Nypical tigger.
55. Danklin24 - September 11, 2008 4:18 PM
Who wants to start placing bets for how much, or little this asshole will do?
I say 8 minutes. Anyone got 6?
56. Slap Happy - September 11, 2008 4:24 PM
Kuntye West was just pissed that the papparazzi took a picture of his vagina. I wonder if his bodyguards can protect him from getting gang raped when he goes to jail for assult and battery?
57. el ces - September 11, 2008 4:27 PM
...um, anyone get it in tape?
There had to be other photogs there, no?
58. Nathan - September 11, 2008 4:29 PM
I'm surprised Kanye didn't manage to blame this on Pearl Jam.
59. West Door - September 11, 2008 4:34 PM
If he were white and unknown, he's be in maximum security or getting his head examined.
Krazy Kanye!
60. blah - September 11, 2008 4:35 PM
Good, I hope that arrogant prick West gets seriously fined & jailed. He seems like such a pompous ass. I hope he's the next Mc Hammer and loses all his fame and fortune.
61. Odysseus - September 11, 2008 4:53 PM
All he has to remember to survive jail is:
That which doesn't kill me, can only make me stronger!!!
62. blerg - September 11, 2008 5:16 PM
Kind of expected this much from him. Any one remember that episode of Punk'd where they pretended to be some film union and tried to confiscate the film/stop him from taping anymore from one of his video shoots? Dude flipped out insanely.
63. who can it be now? - September 11, 2008 5:43 PM
He's a retarded scumbag like Fish.
64. E. Norma Stitz - September 11, 2008 5:51 PM
Yet another dumb, poorly educated, self righteous, self important, foul, filthy, barely talented, bible banging nigger.
65. Randal - September 11, 2008 5:57 PM
Dearest Kanye,
Hold your handsome head up and let your faith guide you through troubled times and never forget who you are and where you came from. Nevermind the critics and bloggers who jusge you with in-depth analysis for they don't walk in your shoes.
Sincerely,
Randal
66. friendlyfires - September 11, 2008 6:09 PM
Kanye, let's be real for a second. YOU ARE A DUMB ASS! Stop all the bull shit. Act responsible instead of like Jerry Lewis, bokay? You're not a genius in France let alone your underpants.
BE-FUGGIN_HAVE!
SHEESH. Don't make me 'splain myself agin'.
where's the beefeater, ah gin, glug,glug, glug.
What are you looking at, I'm not a role model, go look at Sarah Palin or Laura Bush or Tara Lipinski.
67. Charla - September 11, 2008 7:04 PM
Not only is he a petulent crybaby, he thinks way too highly of himself and expects people to look up to him when, in reality, most sane people will pay no attention to his dumb shit other than these childish little fit throwing episodes he has.
IOW, or simply put, he's a dumb spoiled nigger brat.
68. shankyouverymuch - September 11, 2008 7:10 PM
I hope they find a really deep dark hole somewhere, & throw the dumb nigger & his body guard down into it ... NEVER to be seen or heard from again! :O)
69. ManiacFive - September 11, 2008 7:51 PM
Man watchging that video, They sure do love themselves dont they. The paps shouting Police Police! and one of these douches calm as anything says "There arent no police man"
Weeeeell, about that, turns out there WERE police, Jackass, and brilliantly, a guy with a video camera. Ker-Ching!
70. justtheobvious - September 11, 2008 9:02 PM
Once a Nl66ER always a Nl66ER
71. Dear Pastor Larry - September 11, 2008 10:05 PM
You have some good points and speak some truth. However, life is not fair and slavery and injustice have existed since time. This is the world not heaven. BTW, I am not posing these questions to be argumentative so please do not take it that way. I am merely a curious bystander.
1. Are you really an ordained minister or is that a handle? If yes, proceed to #2, if not ignore and go directly to #4.
2. What is a pastor doing on this site? Are you soul winning? If affirmative see next question, question #3.
3. Aren't pastors supposed to be above being superficial as they strive to promote self acceptance and love (after all you were created by God and to change his creation is to question his works). Rather you seem to be advocating for equality in plastic surgery. True?
Prior to proceeding to #4. Google slatee traitor.
4. If white people are going to a bad place for participating in slavery, then where are the Jews, Arabs and Africans going who also participated in the slave trade? Are you aware that Africans sold those captured in war to the slave traders from various ethnicities. Is this not a betrayal of one's own people? Or were African's not seperate tribal nations united with their own customs and mores hating the tribe 20 miles away and willing to sell one of them down the river for a price? Did you know that mulatos (sp?) in Haiti owned slaves? Did the Egyptians not hold the Jews in bondage? Is Egypt not in Africa? Where will they go?
5. If a slave owner actively participated in slavery but received Christ prior to his death (I mean 5 minutes before he kicked off he accepted Christ) does he go still to hell? How about a slave who was a nasty, mean person? Does he go to the good place because he was a slave? Kind of like the get out of jail free card in the Monoploy game. Not all black people are good and not all white people are bad.
6. Why are you impressed with hanging out with stars? You seem to think K. West has reached 7th heaven because he has money and clout. Is Kanye not rich? Does the Bible not say the poor will inherit the earth and it is as difficult for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven as it is for a camel to fit through the eye of a needle? Not that I think this but based on your reasoning you should say this is true.
7. Why do you hate yourself? Be proud of who you are and your people. To hate yourself is to spit in the face of your mother. Would you spit in the face of your mother? The white race has made great accomplishments in medicine, science, as well as the arts and humanities. We are in the company of great philosophers and innovators. True, Europeans participated in the slave trade which was horrendous, but it was also the acts of white people who set the enslaved free. Other coutnries make no apologies. Each man is judged on his own acts and merits, not collectively. Am I going to be judged for the acts of a white serial killer because we are both white? You have never known a slave. I have never known a slave. The poor souls who really suffered have since passed. It is over. Acknowledge it happened, yes. But let wounds heal and move on. Stop picking scabs. Most blacks are enjoying the prosperity of this country and if you think they are crying for Africa think again. If they are, they have more serious problems than racism. They would not even exist in this place and time if not for slavery. Are you not glad your black neighbor or coworker is here in the good old USA eating McDonald's cheeseburgers and shopping at the Gap listening to Ipods. Besides,. no one likes swatting flies. No one.
72. rough daddy's gay lover - September 11, 2008 10:47 PM
Where's my pretty daddy been all day long? Cat got your tongue? Last I could tell you wanted nothing to do with pussy!
73. lilygirl - September 11, 2008 10:56 PM
Wow this whole pastor larry thing got a little outta control dontya think?? interesting letter though- kinda made me feel like I was meditating or something.
74. weirdo - September 11, 2008 11:43 PM
kanye west is a FUCKING MAJOR TOOL!
75. Flip - September 11, 2008 11:47 PM
Dear Pastor Larry (# 71) is the first person on this site who doesn't sound like a total retard... wow. Please tell me you're a chick, with boobs as big as your brain.
76. GG1000 - September 12, 2008 1:11 AM
OK, can we have a show of hands of everyone who's sick to %&$ing death of this dude? God, go AWAY already!
77. the old arcade - September 12, 2008 7:03 AM
this is the guy who had complained for not having his million $ video win some VMA and then a mere days later found accusing Bush for "not caring about blavk people". WHAT A MORON
http://theoldarcade.blogspot.com
78. Libby - September 12, 2008 8:10 AM
I blame the White man.
79. Frank - September 12, 2008 8:18 AM
Poverty is to blame every time a negro chimps out.
80. John McCain - September 12, 2008 8:45 AM
It's funny how if a retard like this supported a Republican, The Superficial would be all over it, but when its an Obama supporter nothing is mentioned.
81. Hi Flip - September 12, 2008 9:40 AM
Dear Flip. I am a chic. However, i think my brain is larger than my boobs;)
I still want to hear from Pastor Larry.
82. Loser - September 12, 2008 11:15 AM
Punk Ass Bitch!
83. shoofitz - September 12, 2008 1:22 PM
** To # 71...
You are my hero! <3
84. SueMe - September 12, 2008 2:16 PM
@17 that's because you are sick in the head, and so are you #38. Grow up.
85. Ben Stone - September 12, 2008 4:58 PM
Then again none of us know exactly what this paparazzi douchebag did. We have seen how insane the paparazzi can be (The swamp monsters in Brads front lawn). None of us are as famous as Kanye. We wouldn't know how it feels. Maybe we all say we wouldn't give a fuck but probably when it comes down to it we'd flip the fuck out. Kanye has been really friendly to paparazzi in the past. At least more friendly than mose celebs. (He smiles when the take pictures of him instead of looking like a coked up whore).
PS I love Kanye's music. Whoever says he doesn't have talent. Thats your opinion. I've been listening to Kane since "Through the Wire" and I think he is amazingly talented and is currently one of the best. He even recognizes true talent (read his blog). I don't like the fact that he thinks Jay-Z is better than him or that Lil Wayne is actually considered good hell even a rapper.
Peace
86. SueMe - September 12, 2008 5:10 PM
#54 not bad...everyone give this person a round of aplause for their creativity.
87. CelebsRTwats - September 12, 2008 9:24 PM
As an aside, what's up with the dude's first two fingers? They're freakishly long, especially the one reserved for photographers--and they're CURVED backwards.
88. Anthony parker - September 13, 2008 12:15 AM
I think TMZ are a bunch of bitches i would of did the same thing But i would be like hey can i autograph ur camera i would say to them u realize u have no friends no life and u will die by yourself and then smash theyre fucking camera
89. LOL - September 13, 2008 8:16 AM
Hahaha... Online courage is so cute. white boys are such spineless faggots. Hilarious.
90. SueMe - September 14, 2008 5:39 PM
Can't anyone see that this man is in pain, and doesn't have time for the parasites? He just lost his fairly young mother to the dumb ass world of plastic surgery for goodness sake. The last thing he would want is cameras all in his face. He should've broken the pap's nose. Im not saying I condone violence, but they know what's going on with him right now. They have no lives, and as a result they pry in the lives of celebs. Look at his facial expression...to me it conveys emotional pain. His mother barely had the chance to enjoy her son's success. Well at least she's off this awful planet full of mostly haters.
91. McLovin - September 14, 2008 8:20 PM
What a fuckin nigger
92. Obama the anal explorer - September 14, 2008 8:23 PM
You can take the nigger out of the jungle but you cant take the jungle out of the nigger. He should pick me some cotton before I whip his ass
93. Plastic Surgeon - September 14, 2008 8:28 PM
Sorry I butchered and killed your momma. she was in a lot of pain and suffered for several hours before she finally chocked on her own vomit. Oops, my bad. She told me the reason she was seeking plastic surgery was to please you because she knew you wanted a beter looking mom. so in a way its really your fault because youre shallow and insecure. by the way, her crotch really stank.
94. Critic - September 14, 2008 8:32 PM
Rap music is not music. It's just a bunch of posers speaking bad rhymes and trying to make money. It's not art, it's not music, it's only greed. Any hack can rap. Don't beleive me? Just look at rap stars, they're stupid, ugly, and ghetto. If white suburban kids didn't by their albums, they'd be selling crack and taking it up the butt.
95. Newsguy - September 14, 2008 9:04 PM
Heres an early video of Kanye: http://uselessjunk.com/article_full.php?id=105349
96. SueMe - September 15, 2008 3:01 PM
@ 94 it's not that rap isn't an art, but it's just changed so much since it first came out. Back in my parent's time it had much more meaning. I don't see it ever being the same anymore. Sad, but so true. Wonder what happened to ya boy Eminem.