Whether it is about his music, clothing line or relationships, it is clear that Kanye West is an extremely passionate person. He’s also passionate (but maybe in a negative way) about paparazzi. West is extremely vocal about how invasive paparazzi have become and the need for change. This past week, West has pleaded not guilty to misdemeanor battery and attempted grand theft in a case filed over a scuffle with a celebrity photographer earlier this year.
Daniel Ramos is a paparazzo who staked out at the airport July 19 to snap celebrity photos. Ramos claims the rapper attacked him at Los Angeles International Airport. It is normal to expect that there are two sides to every story, especially with an incident as scandalous as this.
Ramos claims that he was talking toward West as he was heading into the airport, when the rapper stopped to address him. Ramos goes on to say that West suddenly punched him in an unprovoked attack and wrestled his camera to the ground. According to his attorney, Ramos was on crutches for two weeks and then was walking with a cane for some time after the incident.
As expected, West has a completely different version of the story. West explains that he takes issue with the amount of disrespect the paparazzi have for him and his family. According to West, the day of the alleged attack at LAX was the same day he found out that his grandfather was not going to make it. West claims he tried to stop the guy’s camera and he fell down to make it seem like West had hit him. He accuses Ramos of setting him up at the airport. All he wants is for the paparazzi to show more respect.
Prosecutors declined to file felony charges against West, saying that Ramos didn’t have a significant injury. However, they did decide to pursue the misdemeanors. Each carries a penalty of up to six months in jail or a $1,000 fine. West’s case is due back in court on January 23rd, for further investigation.