Kanye West faces lawsuit

Bang Showbiz:

Kanye West is being sued for assaulting a photographer. The Gold Digger hitmaker and his security team are accused by Michael Vazquez, who was at an event Kanye was playing at, Gustavino's in New York, to take pictures, in May 2008. He claims to have been "assaulted, battered, beat and threatened".

According to the New York Post newspaper, the 44-year-old photographer is claiming unspecified damages for "physical, mental and emotional illness" as a result of the incident at the show, which Kanye was paid $1 million for and was best remembered for a performance by topless, helmet-wearing dancers.

The suit states: Vazquez, who was invited to the event to photograph and report, was assaulted by Kanye and his "employees".

It states: "West, his agents, servants and/or employees acting in the course and within the scope of their employment, detained and/or threatened and/or caused plaintiff to suffer injuries.

"The assault and battery was committed by defendant, Kanye West, (his) agents, servants and/or employees, with malice."

According to police sources, a report was filed the next day by Vazquez, claiming his camera and phone were taken by security of either the restaurant or the rapper.

He also claimed to have suffered a dislocated shoulder in the scuffle.