It took longer than a lot of people probably thought it would, but Gloria Allred has found a way into the Kanye West-Jimmy Kimmel interview flap.
The camera-friendly attorney has issued a statement blasting “My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy” rapper over his interview on Jimmy Kimmel Live” on Wednesday night, calling his remarks “shameful” and opining, “you disgrace your profession.”
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Allred added that West’s comments on “Kimmel” were “shameful,” and that he has brought “shame” to his hometown of Chicago.
For those unfamiliar with the various legal entanglements that West is dealing with, Allred represents Daniel Ramos, a paparazzo who West allegedly assaulted during a July run-in at Los Angeles International Airport. According to a lawsuit filed by Allred on Ramos’ behalf, West punched the videographer and tried to take his camera after Ramos asked questions along the lines of, “What’s going on? Why can’t we talk to you? I mean why?”
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During his “Jimmy Kimmel Live” appearance, West groused about the paparazzi, with a seeming reference to the alleged Ramos incident.
“Don’t ask me a question about something you saw in the tabloids,” West said. “Don’t try to antagonize me. You know what? It’s not safe for you in this zoo. Never think that I’m not from Chicago for one second. And think you can walk up and disrespect me and my family constantly.”
West appeared on the ABC late-night show shortly after hurling a Twitter tirade at Kimmel, after Kimmel spoofed a BBC Radio interview that the rapper had given.
“Last night Mr. West made it clear that he thinks that he has the right to attack anyone that antagonizes him by asking him a question that he does not like. He thinks that paparazzi are fair game,” Allred said in her statement. “In his televised appearance on the Jimmy Kimmel show he sent a message that anyone that crosses him is not safe and that no one should forget that he is from Chicago.”
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Allred continued, “We have a message to you Mr. West in response. You will be held accountable for your actions both in the criminal justice system and in the civil justice system.”
The attorney added, “You say that you bring ‘joy to the world.’ I say you disgrace your profession and bring shame to your hometown of Chicago when you make reference to being from Chicago as some sort of threat.”