The Los Angeles Police Department is investigating an airport brawl between a paparazzo and the musician. A witness who has nothing to gain from the incident says Kanye appeared to be provoked. Kim Baldonado reports from LAX for the NBC4 News at 11 p.m. on July 19, 2013.
Kanye West, known for his disdain of paparazzi, allegedly scuffled with a photogpraher outside LAX Friday.
A witness said a paparazzo named Dano provoked the musician and new father who landed at Los Angeles International Airport earlier Friday.
"He wanted to record something and nothing was happening," witness Shamir Chantre said. "Maybe he wanted to get some action going on."
- Paparrazo: "Can we talk to you? Why can't we talk to you?"
In the video, posted by TMZ, Dano tells Kanye, who is known for his dislike of paparazzi, that he doesn't want a fight, but Samir Chantre said that's exactly what it appears he wanted.
"I think he looked for it and he got it," the witness told NBC4.
Chantre had just returned from a vacation in Brazil when he saw half dozen paparazzi taking pictures of Kanye, but Chantre said there was one who stood out.
"There was one paparazzi in particular that was kind of saying some stuff," Chantre recalled.
- Kanye: "What you're trying to do is get me in trouble so I step off and then have to pay you $250,000."
Despite predicting the outcome, Kanye still went after Dano, who went down as the pair struggled for the camera. Kanye got into a waiting car while the paramedics were called for Dano.
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"They put him in a wheelchair and he had his leg all stiff, but I don't think something happened," Chantre said. "I truly believe he was faking."
Christian Zimmerman works with Dano and says the video he recorded is "selling like crazy."
"Our photographer did nothing wrong and if this goes to court, Kanye will be in a lot of trouble," Zimmerman said.
The Los Angeles Police Department is investigating the fight.
