S. Samuel
G.O.O.D. Music head Kanye West has offered an interesting take on his frequent run-ins with photo-snapping paparazzi and why he should embrace them more than get upset by their presence.
In Ye’s opinion, the paps could serve as a premium outlet to get messages out to the public.
“They help me to influence. At any point, if I want to talk directly to the public, I can use that outlet too,” Kanye explained in an interview. “I should be respected to the highest level at this point for what I’ve been able to accomplish at this age.” (“Big Boy’s Neighborhood”)
Recently, Ye explained why he reacted violently when confronted by a paparazzo back in July.
In the TMZ footage, North West‘s father shared his concerns that his daughter will have to deal with the paps. “I couldn’t imagine my daughter being four years old and you guys screaming at ’em,” he said. He also addressed his altercation with the photographer at LAX in July. “That’s the day I found out that my grandfather was not gonna make it. He passed two weeks later,” said ‘Ye, who has been charged with criminal battery and attempted grand theft. But he was in a much better mood on Friday. “I know you guys are gonna photograph me. I know it makes a cool photo. I got a cool a** car and sh*t. I got a dope a** outfit on. It’s all good and sh*t.” He even extended an olive branch. “We’re in this together. You guys help me influence, you help with the family, you help Kim’s power and everything, so I’m not tryna f*ckin’ get at you guys in any type of negative way,” he said. “I would prefer that we just have a decent relationship.” (Rap-Up)
Attorney Gloria Allred, who is representing the photographer Ye attacked over the summer, publicly went after the mega rap star following comments he made on “Jimmy Kimmel Live” earlier this month.
Speaking to RadarOnline.com in the wake of the late-night interview, Allred said: “Mr. West made it clear that he thinks that he has the right to attack anyone that antagonizes him by asking him a question that he does not like. He thinks that paparazzi are fair game. “In his televised appearance on the Jimmy Kimmel show he sent a message that anyone that crosses him is not safe and that no one should forget that he is from Chicago. We have a message to you Mr. West in response. You will be held accountable for your actions both in the criminal justice system and in the civil justice system. Your remarks are shameful and add further insult to the injuries that you inflicted upon my client.” She added: “You say that you bring ‘joy to the world’. I say you disgrace your profession and bring shame to your hometown of Chicago when you make reference to being from Chicago as some sort of threat.” (RadarOnline)
In his interview, Ye admitted he would not necessarily back down if confronted by paps in-person.
“We bring something of joy to the world…I should be respected and such when I walk on the street,” Ye told Kimmel. “Never think I’m not from Chicago for one second. … I understand you gotta get your money, and its hard out here. It’s a lack of decency.” (“Jimmy Kimmel Live!”)
A few weeks back, Kanye publicly spoke out on his respect for European photographers in comparison to those in the United States.
“Don’t ask me no questions though,” Kanye said as he stepped out of a vehicle. “Don’t ask questions, just take the video. Don’t do like the LA, like, I like how you guys move out here. You guys have total respect for yourselves. I respec that you’re photographing and you also take time off like at 8 o’clock, you’re not a people’s houses. I just really appreciate and respect that. I understand that you have to make a living. So, [let me] shake your hand, I appreciate that.” (Storm Shadow Crew)
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Check out Kanye West’s interview:
