Charges Against Kanye West Dismissed

The charges filed against rapper Kanye West after a confrontation with the paparazzi in September 2008 were dismissed on Friday in exchange for West's completion of 50 hours of community service.

According to the L.A. Times, West and his road manager Don Crowley were arrested last year after confronting a paparazzi reporter and smashing his camera. The pair were originally charged with misdemeanor vandalism, battery, and grand theft, but West's lawyers convinced the Los Angeles court that the charges were too severe due to the reporter's involvement in the incident.

City prosecutors were against the dismissal of the charges on the grounds that West and Crowley showed "felonious intent" during the incident.

In addition to agreeing to community service, the two defendants have already completed 12 hours of anger management therapy, writes People. West also reached a settlement with the reporters, who have said that they are satisfied with the reimbursement of their damaged items.

"I'm cool with the paparazzi," said West in his blog. "This guy wasn't cool."

Rolling Stone reports that West was absent during Friday's court proceedings because he had already settled with the reporters. He will be performing his community service with the Red Cross.