9/11/2008

in

The rapper was arrested after a confrontation with the paparazzi.

Marissa Willman

Kanye West was arrested and is facing charges of felony vandalism after an altercation with paparazzi at Los Angeles International Airport led to the star allegedly smashing the photographer's camera, according to the *L.A. Times*.  
  
The exchange allegedly happened just before 8 a.m. outside the passenger security screening area in terminal 4, according to LAX spokeswoman Nancy Castles.  
  
The confrontation began when a commercial photographer began snapping pictures of the rapper. Paparazzi were also present. West allegedly smashed the commercial photographer's camera, valued at more than $10,000.  
  
West's bodyguard was also arrested for charges of vandalism and battery.  
  
Witnesses are continuing to be interviewed before West and his bodyguard, who has yet to be identified, are formally charged and booked.  
  
West's hits include "Gold Digger," "Stronger," and "Homecoming." He has also been featured in a remix of Lil Wayne's "Lollipop" and a duet with Estele called, "American Boy."  
  
West became infamous after going off-script during a benefit in 2005 to raise money for victims of Hurricane Katrina. West, while on screen with funnyman Mike Meyers, attributed the slow federal response to the alleged racism of President George Bush.  
  
"George Bush hates black people," West said as a nervous Meyers was caught off guard.  
  
West's publicist in New York has yet to comment on the incident.