TMZ has gotten a hold of Kanye West's court deposition in the case where he's been accused of beating a paparazzi and destroying his camera. Behold some highlights.
""I'm the smartest celebrity you've ever f***ing dealt with," said Kanye under oath. "I'm not Britney Spears."
Kanye explains to Nate Goldberg, the photographer's lawyer, "I'm in the business of trying to make dope s**t for the world. You're in the business of representing scums and trying to make as much money as long as there's this lapse in the law."
Golberg than proceeded to attack Mr. West's history of prejudice against paparazzi, citing lyrics from the rapper's Graduation-era smash hit "Flashing Lights." "Till I get flashed by the paparazzi, damn, these ni**as got me," the lawyer quoted.
At that point TMZ reports that Kanye interrupted Goldberg saying, "You have to ask for a hall pass. You can't just say the 'n' word around me. It offends me because you're a white person saying 'ni**a.'"
Elaborating, Kanye compares blacks fighting for civil rights in the '60s with celebs fighting for their rights today. "I mean in the '60s people used to hold up 'Die N****r' signs when my parents were in the sit-ins also." Goldberg proceeds to ask if Kanye equates the struggle of blacks in the past with celebrities today and Kanye says, "Yes. 100... I equate it to discrimination. I equate it to inequalities. We, as group of minorities here in L.A., as celebrities have to ban together to influence guys like this -- guys trying to take the picture, guys trying to get the big win, guys trying to get the check."
A lot of Kanye's trademark sarcasm also shined through over the course of the grilling. At one point, Goldberg asked Kanye where he lives. "Earth," responded the rapper.
Look for more of the deposition to make its way to the web soon. In the meantime, check out this throwback of Lil Wayne's still-hilarious 2012 deposition here.
Is Kanye making valid points here? Share your thoughts.
