Kanye West is being sued for allegedly assaulting a photographer.
The "Gold Digger" hitmaker and his security team are accused by Michael Vazquez—who said he was taking pictures at a May 2008 event Kanye was playing in at Gustavino's in New York—of having "assaulted, battered, beat and threatened" him.
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, where Kanye was paid $1 million and was best remembered for the performance of topless, helmet-wearing dancers.
The suit states that 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 that 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.