'It wasn't a fan': Ye speaks out about altercation that led to a battery report in Los Angeles
Ye, formerly known as Kanye West, is speaking out after he was named in a battery report that led to an investigation by Los Angeles Police.
The police report that named Ye was taken at approximately 3 a.m. Thursday for an incident at Sante Fe and Bay streets, LAPD spokesperson Redina Puentes confirmed to USA TODAY Thursday. No arrests have been made, Puentes said, and the incident is under investigation.
In an interview posted Saturday with Hollywood Unlocked, Ye said a person approached him and was taunting him.
"So as far as the paparazzi goes, right, like, it wasn't a fan," Ye says in the video. "It was 3 a.m. in front of the warehouse. I'm saying, 'You don't know what I'm dealing with right now.' I just finished these two songs, I came from the studio. I created the record, this impromptu shoot...And this dude just, he just had this real attitude, like, 'Whatchu gonna do?'
Imma just tell you, that blue COVID mask ain't stop that knockout, you know what I'm saying?"
The street where the alleged battery happened is outside Soho West, a members-only downtown club popular with celebrities.
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The altercation comes as Ye has made headlines for being seen with "Uncut Gems" actress Julia Fox while his ex-wife Kim Kardashian has been captured in paparazzi photos hanging out with "Saturday Night Live" cast member Pete Davidson.
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Ye released a new single titled "Eazy" Friday, name-checking Davidson in one of the verses.
USA TODAY has reached out to Ye's representative for comment.
The "Praise God" artist was announced as a headliner for the 2022 Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival Wednesday alongside Harry Styles, Billie Eilish and Swedish House Mafia. The two-weekend festival is planned for April 15-17 and April 22-24 at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, California, returning for the first time in three years.
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In an article for Interview Magazine, published Jan. 6, Fox dished about a grandiose date with the rapper, which included an impromptu restaurant photoshoot and a personal fashion show.
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She wrote that she and Ye had "an instant connection" when they met in Miami on New Year's Eve. "His energy is so fun to be around," she gushed. "He had me and my friends laughing, dancing, and smiling all night."
Ye released his long-awaited album "Donda" in August following multiple delays and after hosting three separate listening events.
In October, he officially changed his name from Kanye West to Ye, citing "personal reasons."
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Contributing: Cydney Henderson, Charles Trepany, Elise Brisco
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Kanye West, now Ye, speaks out about battery report in Los Angeles